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Abnormal α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregation characterizes α-synucleinopathies, including Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). However, no suitable positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer for imaging α-syn in PD and MSA exists currently. Our structure-activity relationship studies identified 4-methoxy- N -(4-(3-(pyridin-2-yl)-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-8-yl)phenyl)benzamide ( 4i ) as a PET radiotracer candidate for imaging α-syn. In vitro assays revealed high binding of 4i to recombinant α-syn fibrils (inhibition constant ( K i ) = 6.1 nM) and low affinity for amyloid beta (Aβ) fibrils in Alzheimer's disease (AD) homogenates. However, [ 3 H]4i also exhibited high specific binding to AD, progressive supranuclear palsy, and corticobasal degeneration tissues as well as PD and MSA tissues, suggesting notable affinity to tau. Nevertheless, the specific binding to pathologic α-syn aggregates in MSA post-mortem brain tissues was significantly higher than in PD tissues. This finding demonstrated the potential use of [ 11 C]4i as a PET tracer for imaging α-syn in MSA patients. Nonhuman primate PET studies confirmed good brain uptake and rapid washout for [ 11 C]4i .

A chemical fingerprint search identified Z3777013540 (1-(5-(6-fluoro-1 H -indol-2-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl)piperidin-4-ol; 1 ) as a potential 4R-tau binding ligand. Binding assays in post-mortem Alzheimer's disease (AD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and corticobasal degeneration (CBD) brain with [ 3 H] 1 provided K D (nM) values in AD = 4.0, PSP = 5.1, and CBD = 4.5. In vivo positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in rats with [ 18 F] 1 demonstrated good brain penetration and rapid clearance from normal brain tissues. A subsequent molecular similarity search using 1 as the query revealed an additional promising compound, Z4169252340 (4-(5-(6-fluoro-1 H -indol-2-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl)morpholine; 21 ). Binding assays with [ 3 H] 21 provided K D (nM) values in AD = 1.2, PSP = 1.6, and CBD = 1.7 and lower affinities for binding aggregated α-synuclein and amyloid-beta. PET imaging in rats with [ 18 F] 21 demonstrated a higher brain penetration than [ 18 F] 1 and rapid clearance from normal brain tissues. We anticipate that 1 and 21 will be useful for the identification of other potent novel 4R-tau radiotracers.

In this study, a panel of 46 compounds containing five different scaffolds known to have high σ 2 receptor affinity were screened. 6,7-Dimethoxy-2-[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butan-2-yl]-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline [(±)- 7 ] ( K i for σ 1 = 48.4 ± 7.7 nM, and K i for σ 2 = 0.59 ± 0.02 nM) and its desmethyl analogue, (±)- 8 ( K i for σ 1 = 108 ± 35 nM, and K i for σ 2 = 4.92 ± 0.59 nM), showed excellent binding affinity and subtype selectivity for σ 2 receptors. In vitro cell binding indicated that σ 2 receptor binding of [ 11 C]-(±)- 7 and [ 11 C]-(±)- 8 was dependent on TMEM97 protein expression. In PET studies, the peak brain uptake of [ 11 C]-(±)- 7 (8.28 ± 2.52%ID/cc) was higher than that of [ 11 C]-(±)- 8 (4.25 ± 0.97%ID/cc) with specific distribution in the cortex and hypothalamus. Brain uptake or tissue binding was selectively inhibited by ligands with different σ 2 receptor binding affinities. The results suggest [ 11 C]-(±)- 7 can be used as a PET radiotracer for imaging the function of σ 2 receptors in central nervous system disorders.

Previously, we reported a 3-(2-methoxyphenyl)-9-(3-((4-methyl-5-phenyl-4 H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)propyl)-3,9-diazaspiro[5.5]undecane (1) compound with excellent dopamine D 3 receptor (D 3 R) affinity (D 3 R K i = 12.0 nM) and selectivity (D 2 R/D 3 R ratio = 905). Herein, we present derivatives of 1 with comparable D 3 R affinity (32, D 3 R K i = 3.2 nM, D 2 R/D 3 R ratio = 60) and selectivity (30, D 3 R K i = 21.0 nM, D 2 R/D 3 R ratio = 934). Fragmentation of 1 revealed orthosteric fragment 5a to express an unusually low D 3 R affinity ( K i = 2.7 μM). Compared to piperazine congener 31, which retains a high-affinity orthosteric fragment (5d, D 3 R K i = 23.9 nM), 1 was found to be more selective for the D 3 R among D 1 - and D 2 -like receptors and exhibited negligible off-target interactions at serotoninergic and adrenergic G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), common off-target sites for piperazine-containing D 3 R scaffolds. This study provides a unique rationale for implementing weakly potent orthosteric fragments into D 3 R ligand systems to minimize drug promiscuity at other aminergic GPCR sites.

Development of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi's) continues to be an attractive area of research due to synthetic lethality in DNA repair deficient cancers; however, PARPi's also have potential as therapeutics to prevent harmful inflammation. We investigated the pharmacological impact of incorporating spirodiamine motifs into the phthalazine architecture of FDA approved PARPi olaparib. Synthesized analogues were screened for PARP-1 affinity, enzyme specificity, catalytic inhibition, DNA damage, and cytotoxicity. This work led to the identification of 10e (12.6 ± 1.1 nM), which did not induce DNA damage at similar drug concentrations as olaparib. Interestingly, several worst in class compounds with low PARP-1 affinity, including 15b (4397 ± 1.1 nM), induced DNA damage at micromolar concentrations, which can explain the cytotoxicity observed in vitro. This work provides further evidence that high affinity PARPi's can be developed without DNA damaging properties offering potential new drugs for treating inflammatory related diseases.

A series of potent and selective D 3 receptor (D 3 R) analogues with diazaspiro alkane cores were synthesized. Radioligand binding of compounds 11, 14, 15a, and 15c revealed favorable D 3 R affinity (K i = 12-25.6 nM) and were highly selective for D 3 R vs D 3 R (ranging from 264- to 905-fold). Variation of these novel ligand architectures can be achieved using our previously reported 10-20 min benchtop C-N cross-coupling methodology, affording a broad range of arylated diazaspiro precursors.

Aromatase (CYP19) is a rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the biosynthesis of estrogens. Imaging agents based on aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have been developed for a PET/SPECT study. A series of compounds was synthesized based on YM511, which has previously been used for breast cancer treatment. Two examples of these derivatives, 4-(((4-iodophenyl)methyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl-amino)-benzonitrile (5) and 4-((1H-imidazol-1-yl)(4-iodobenzyl)amino)benzonitrile (11), displayed potent binding affinities to human aromatase (IC 50 = 0.17 and 0.04 nM, respectively). Biodistribution and autoradiographic studies revealed that [ 125 I]5 and [ 125 I]11 were highly accumulated in the stomach (16.21 and 10.88% dose/g, respectively) and ovaries (8.56 and 3.32% dose/g, respectively) of female rats. Log P of [ 125 I]5 was 2.49, meaning good brain penetration. Autoradiograms of brain sections showed a high uptake in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and amygdala. These results suggest that [ 125 I]5 and [ 125 I]11 are potent probes for aromatase imaging in both the brain and peripheral organs.

A series of 3-(benzylidine)indolin-2-one derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro binding to alpha synuclein (α-syn), beta amyloid (Aβ), and tau fibrils. Compounds with a single double bond in the 3-position had only a modest affinity for α-syn and no selectivity for α-syn versus Aβ or tau fibrils. Homologation to the corresponding diene analogues yielded a mixture of Z,E and E,E isomers; substitution of the indoline nitrogen with an N-benzyl group resulted in increased binding to α-syn and reasonable selectivity for α-syn versus Aβ and tau. Introduction of a para-nitro group into the benzene ring of the diene enabled separation of the Z,E and E,E isomers and led to the identification of the Z,E configuration as the more active regioisomer. The data described here provide key structural information in the design of probes which bind preferentially to α-syn versus Aβ or tau fibrils.

Two novel classes of compounds targeting the sigma-2 (σ2) receptor were synthesized, and their bioactivities to binding σ1 and σ2 receptors were measured. Four novel triazole carboxamide analogues, 24d, 24e, 24f, and 39c, demonstrated high affinity and selectivity for the σ2 receptor. These data suggest (11)C-labeled versions of these compounds may be potential σ2-selective radiotracers for imaging the proliferative status of solid tumors.

The σ2 receptor is an important target for the development of molecular probes in oncology because of its 10-fold higher density in proliferating tumor cells compared with that in quiescent tumor cells and because of the observation that σ2 receptor agonists are able to kill tumor cells via apoptotic and nonapoptotic mechanisms. Although recent evidence indicates that the σ2 receptor binding site is localized within the progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1), most information regarding this protein has been obtained using either radiolabeled or fluorescent receptor-based probes and from biochemical analysis of the effect of σ2 selective ligands on cells grown in culture. This article reviews the development of σ2 receptor ligands and presents an overview of how they have been used in vitro and in vivo to increase our understanding of the role of the σ2 receptor in cancer and proliferation.

A series of fluorine-containing N-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine and N-(2-fluoroethoxy)piperazine analogues were synthesized, and their affinities for human dopamine D(2), D(3), and D(4) receptors were determined. Radioligand binding studies identified five compounds, 18a, 20a, 20c, 20e, and 21e, which bind with high affinity at D(3) (K(i) = 0.17-5 nM) and moderate to high selectivity for D(3) vs D(2) receptors (ranging from ∼25- to 163-fold). These compounds were also evaluated for intrinsic activity at D(2) and D(3) receptors using a forskolin-dependent adenylyl cyclase assay. This panel of compounds exhibits varying receptor subtype binding selectivity and intrinsic activity at D(2) vs D(3) receptors. These compounds may be useful for behavioral pharmacology studies on the role of D(2)-like dopamine receptors in neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders. Furthermore, compound 20e, which has the highest binding affinity and selectivity for the D(3) receptor (K(i) = 0.17 nM for D(3), 163-fold selectivity for D(3) vs D(2) receptors), represents a candidate fluorine-18 radiotracer for in vivo PET imaging studies on the regulation of D(3) receptor expression.

To identify selective high-affinity inhibitors of the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), we have interposed a carbonyl group between the phenyl and piperidyl groups of the prototypical VAChT ligand vesamicol and its more potent analogues benzovesamicol and 5-aminobenzovesamicol. Of 33 compounds synthesized and tested, 6 display very high affinity for VAChT (K(i), 0.25-0.66 nM) and greater than 500-fold selectivity for VAChT over sigma(1) and sigma(2) receptors. Twelve compounds have high affinity (K(i), 1.0-10 nM) and good selectivity for VAChT. Furthermore, 3 halogenated compounds, namely, trans-3-[4-(4-fluorobenzoyl)piperidinyl]-2-hydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (28b) (K(i) = 2.7 nM, VAChT/sigma selectivity index = 70), trans-3-[4-(5-iodothienylcarbonyl)piperidinyl]-2-hydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (28h) (K(i) = 0.66 nM, VAChT/sigma selectivity index = 294), and 5-amino-3-[4-(p-fluorobenzoyl)piperidinyl]-2-hydroxy-1,2,3,4,-tetrahydronaphthalene (30b) (K(i) = 2.40 nM, VAChT/sigma selectivity index = 410) display moderate to high selectivity for VAChT. These three compounds can be synthesized with the corresponding radioisotopes so as to serve as PET/SPECT probes for imaging the VAChT in vivo.

A key step in the onset of Huntington's disease is the caspase-6 mediated cleavage of the protein huntingtin into toxic fragments. Therefore, the inhibition of caspase-6 has been identified as a target for therapeutic drug development for the treatment of this disease. In this study, a series of isatin sulfonamide Michael acceptors having a high nanomolar potency for inhibiting caspase-6 and increased selectivity for caspase-6 versus caspase-3 inhibition is reported.

A series of position-6 substituted 2-amino-4-methylpyridine analogues was synthesized and compounds 9, 18, and 20 were identified as the inhibitors with the greatest potential to serve as PET tracers for imaging inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). [(18)F]9 was synthesized and evaluated in a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced iNOS activation. In vivo biodistribution studies of [(18)F]9 indicate higher tracer uptake in the lungs of the LPS-treated mice when compared to control mice. Tracer uptake at 60 min postinjection was reduced in a blocking study using a known inhibitor of iNOS. The expression of iNOS was confirmed by Western blot analysis of lung samples from the LPS-treated mice. MicroPET studies also demonstrated accumulation of radiotracer in the lungs of the LPS-treated mice. Taken collectively, these data suggest that [(18)F]9 shows favorable properties as a PET tracer to image iNOS activation with PET.

A new class of vesicular acetylcholine transporter inhibitor that incorporates a carbonyl group into the benzovesamicol structure was synthesized, and analogues were evaluated in vitro. (+/-)-trans-2-Hydroxy-3-(4-(4-[(18)F]fluorobenzoyl)piperidino)tetralin (9e) has K(i) values of 2.70 nM for VAChT, 191 nM for sigma(1), and 251 nM for sigma(2). The racemic precursor (9d) was resolved via chiral HPLC, and (+/-)-[(18)F]9e, (-)-[(18)F]9e, and (+)-[(18)F]9e were respectively radiolabeled via microwave irradiation of the appropriate precursors with [(18)F]/F(-) and Kryptofix/K(2)CO(3) in DMSO with radiochemical yields of approximately 50-60% and specific activities of >2000 mCi/micromol. (-)-[(18)F]9e uptake in rat brain was consistent with in vivo selectivity for the VAChT with an initial uptake of 0.911 %ID/g in rat striatum and a striatum/cerebellum ratio of 1.88 at 30 min postinjection (p.i.). MicroPET imaging of macaques demonstrated a 2.1 ratio of (-)-[(18)F]9e in putamen versus cerebellum at 2 h p.i. (-)-[(18)F]9e has potential to be a PET tracer for clinical imaging of the VAChT.

A series of isatin sulfonamide analogs having a Michael acceptor were prepared and their potencies for inhibiting caspase-1, -3, -6, -7, and -8 were evaluated. These compounds have nanomolar potency for inhibiting the executioner caspases, caspase-3 and caspase-7, and have a low potency for inhibiting caspase-1, caspase-6, and caspase-8. The inhibition mechanism was investigated through NMR studies of the reaction between 11d and benzylmercaptan as a model for Cys-285 in the active site of caspase-3.

A series of fluorine-containing benzamide analogs was synthesized and evaluated as candidate ligands for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of the sigma-2 (sigma2) receptor status of solid tumors. Four compounds having a moderate to high affinity for sigma2 receptors and a moderate to low affinity for sigma-1 (sigma1) receptors were radiolabeled with fluorine-18 via displacement of the corresponding mesylate precursor with [18F]fluoride. Biodistribution studies in female Balb/c mice bearing EMT-6 tumor allografts demonstrated that all four F-18-labeled compounds had a high tumor uptake (2.5-3.7% ID/g) and acceptable tumor/normal tissue ratios at 1 and 2 h post-i.v. injection. An analysis of the chemistry and biodistribution data suggested that N-(4-(6,7-dimethoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)butyl)-2-(2-[18F]-fluoroethoxy)-5-methylbenzamide ([18F]3c) and N-(4-(6,7-dimethoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)butyl)-2-(2-[18F]-fluoroethoxy)-5-iodo-3-methoxybenzamide ([18F]3f) are acceptable compounds for imaging the sigma2 receptor status of solid tumors.

A number of isatin sulfonamide analogues were prepared and their potencies for inhibiting caspase-1, -3, -6, -7, and -8 were evaluated in vitro. Several compounds displaying a nanomolar potency for inhibiting the executioner caspases, caspase-3 and caspase-7, were identified. These compounds were also observed to have a low potency for inhibiting the initiator caspases, caspase-1 and caspase-8, and caspase-6. Molecular modeling studies provided further insight into the interaction of this class of compounds with activated caspase-3. The results of the current study revealed a number of non-peptide-based caspase inhibitors that may be useful in assessing the role of inhibiting the executioner caspases in minimizing tissue damage in disease conditions characterized by unregulated apoptosis.

A series of N-(1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)arylacetamides were synthesized and evaluated for their binding properties for sigma1 and sigma2 receptors. In agreement with previously reported sigma1/sigma2 receptor binding data for N-(1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)phenylacetamide, all of the N-(1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)arylacetamide compounds reported below displayed higher affinity for sigma1 vs sigma2 receptors. Replacement of the phenyl ring of the phenylacetamide moiety with a thiophene, naphthyl, or indole aromatic ring had no significant effect on the sigma1 receptor affinity. Replacement of the phenyl ring with an imidazole or pyridyl aromatic ring resulted in a >60-fold loss in affinity for sigma1 receptors and no significant binding affinity for sigma2 receptors. Substitution on the aromatic ring of the benzyl group showed a similar or slightly decreased affinity for sigma1 receptors. Substitution on the aromatic rings of both the phenylacetamide moiety and the benzyl group with a halogen resulted in a similar affinity for sigma(1) receptors and a significantly increased affinity for sigma2 receptors. Comparative molecular field analysis revealed that electrostatic properties of the substituents in the phenylacetamide aromatic ring strongly influenced binding to sigma1 receptors. Compounds 1, 10, 18, 22, 37, and 40 showed the highest selectivity for sigma1 receptors with K(i) (sigma2) to K(i) (sigma(1)) ratios of 100, >92, >122, 77, 74, and 80, respectively. In agreement with previously reported results, the phenylacetamide analogues had no binding affinity for dopamine receptors (D2/D3).

A series of naphthamides were synthesized, and the affinities of these compounds were determined for dopamine D2 and D3 receptors using radioligand binding techniques. The naphthamide compounds that were prepared include N-(1-alkylpiperidin-4-yl)-4-bromo-1-methoxy-2-naphthamides (1-6), (S)-N-(1-alkylpyrrolidin-3-yl)-4-bromo-1-methoxy-2-naphthamides (7-12), (R)-N-(1-alkylpyrrolidin-3-yl)-4-bromo-1-methoxy-2-naphthamides (13-18), (S)-N-(1-alkyl-2-pyrrolidinylmethyl)-4-bromo-1-methoxy-2-naphthamides (19-25), (R)-N-(1-alkyl-2-pyrrolidinylmethyl)-4-bromo-1-methoxy-2-naphthamides (26-31), and N-(9-alkyl-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-3beta-yl)-4-bromo-1-methoxy-2-naphthamides (32, 33). The results of in vitro radioligand binding studies indicated that the majority of the naphthamide analogues bound with high affinity at both the D2 and D3 dopamine receptor subtypes and most of the compounds demonstrated some selectivity for the dopamine D3 dopamine receptor subtype. These results demonstrated that both the structure of the central amine moiety (piperidine, pyrrolidine, and 9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane) ring and the N-(alkyl) substitution on the amine significantly effects the binding affinity at D2 and D3 dopamine receptors. The bulkiness of the N-(1-alkyl) substituent was found to (a) have no effect on pharmacologic selectivity, (b) increase the affinity at D3 receptors, or (c) decrease the affinity at D2 receptors. The most potent analogue in this series was (S)-N-(1-cycloheptylpyrrolidin-3-yl)-4-bromo-1-methoxy-2-naphthamide (10), which had equilibrium dissociation (K(i)) values of 1.8 and 0.2 nM for D2 and D3 receptors, respectively. The most selective analogue was (R)-N-(1-cycloheptyl-2-pyrrolidinylmethyl)-4-bromo-1-methoxy-2-naphthamide (30), which had K(i) values of 62.8 and 2.4 nM for D2 and D3 receptors, respectively. Radioligand binding results for sigma receptors indicated that the structure of the amine moiety and the N-(1-alkyl) substitutions also significantly influence the affinity and selectivity of these compounds at the sigma1 and sigma2 sigma receptor subtypes. The two naphthamides containing a 9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-3beta-yl central ring were found to be selective for sigma2 receptors.

Analogues of the potent anticholinergic 2-(4-phenylpiperidino)cyclohexanol (vesamicol, 1) in which the cyclohexyl fragment was replaced with an N-acyl or N-alkyl trans-decahydroquinolyl moiety were synthesized and evaluated as potential ligands for the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT). The binding of compounds, such as 18, 20, and 21, was both stereospecific and of comparable magnitude to that of the closely related vesamicol analogue 2,3-trans-4a, 8a-trans-3-hydroxy-2-(4-phenylpiperidino)-1,2,3,4,5,6,7, 8-decahydronaphthalene (6) which displays subnanomolar affinity for this transporter. However, these compounds also demonstrated high affinities for sigma(1) and sigma(2) receptors and thus failed to show significantly improved selectivity over previously reported vesamicol analogues.

A series of N-(1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)phenylacetamide derivatives was synthesized and evaluated for affinity at sigma1 and sigma2 receptors. Most of these compounds showed a high affinity for sigma1 receptors and a low to moderate affinity for sigma2 receptors. The unsubstituted compound N-(1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)phenylacetamide, 1, displayed a high affinity and selectivity for sigma1 receptors (Ki values of 3.90 nM for sigma1 receptors and 240 nM for sigma2 receptors). The influence of substitutions on the phenylacetamide aromatic ring on binding at both the sigma1 and sigma2 receptor has been examined through Hansch-type quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) studies. In general, all 3-substituted compounds, except for the OH group, had a higher affinity for both sigma1 and sigma2 receptors when compared with the corresponding 2- and 4-substituted analogues. The selectivity for sigma1 receptors displayed a trend of 3 > 2 approximately 4 for Cl, Br, F, NO2, and OMe substituted analogues. Halogen substitution on the aromatic ring generally increased the affinity for sigma2 receptors while maintaining a similar affinity for sigma1 receptors. Substitution with electron-donating groups, such as OH, OMe, or NH2, resulted in weak or negligible affinity for sigma2 receptors and a moderate affinity for sigma1 receptors. The 2-fluoro-substituted analogue, 11, exhibited the highest selectivity for sigma1 receptors among all compounds tested, with a Ki value of 3.56 nM for sigma1 receptors and 667 nM for sigma2 receptors. Compounds 1, 5, 9, 11, and 20 had no affinity for dopamine D2 (IC50 > 10 000 nM) and D3 (IC50 > 10 000 nM) receptors. The nanomolar binding affinity and high selectivity for sigma1 receptors suggest that these compounds may be developed as potential radiotracers for positron emission tomography or single photon emission computerized tomography imaging studies.

As part of our ongoing structure-activity studies of the vesicular acetylcholine transporter ligand 2-(4-phenylpiperidino)cyclohexanol (vesamicol, 1), 22 N-hydroxy(phenyl)alkyl derivatives of 3 beta-phenyltropane, 6, and 1-methylspiro[1H-indoline-3,4'-piperidine], 7, were synthesized and tested for binding in vitro. Although a few compounds displayed moderately high affinity for the vesicular acetylcholine transporter, no compound was more potent than the prototypical vesicular acetylcholine transporter ligand vesamicol. However, a few derivatives of 6 displayed higher affinity for the dopamine transporter than cocaine. We conclude that modification of the piperidyl fragment of 1 will not lead to more potent vesicular acetylcholine transporter ligands.

Two series of (N-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)- and (9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan- 3 beta-yl)benzamides were prepared, and in vitro binding assays were used to measure the affinity of these compounds for dopamine D2, dopamine D3, serotonin 5-HT2, and alpha 2-adrenergic receptors. The results of these studies indicated compounds 23, 26b, and 34 have the selectivity needed for in vivo studies of the D2 (and possibly D3) receptors. 18F-Labeled analogues of 23, 26b and 34 were prepared by N-alkylation of the corresponding desbenzyl precursors with [18F]-4-fluorobenzyl iodide. Preliminary in vivo studies demonstrated that [18F]-23 and [18F]-26b are suitable candidates for further evaluation in positron emission tomography imaging studies. The slow rate of washout of [18F]-34 from nondopaminergic regions and its comparatively high lipophilicity indicates that this compound may not be suitable for imaging studies because of a high level of nonspecific binding.

Two series of N-substituted spiperone analogues were prepared and evaluated in vitro to measure their affinities for dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2 receptors. Substitution of the amide nitrogen with an alkyl group of five carbon units or less resulted in analogues displaying a low selectivity for D2 compared to 5-HT2 receptors. However, a moderate improvement in selectivity for D2 receptors was observed with N-benzylspiperone. Substitution at either the ortho or para position of the benzyl group resulted in a further reduction in affinity for 5-HT2 receptors and improvement in the selectivity ratio. Examination of N-substituted analogues of spiperone may provide insights into the topography of the antagonist binding region of the 5-HT2 receptor. The results also suggest that an 18F-labeled analogue of N-(4-nitrobenzyl)spiperone (4p) may be a suitable tracer for studying D2 receptors with positron emission tomography since this compound displays a high selectivity for D2 receptors relative to that of spiperone and N-methylspiperone.

In developing central nervous system (CNS) dopamine D-2 receptor imaging agents, enantiomers, R-(+) and S-(-) isomers, of 3-[125I]iodo-2-hydroxy-6-methoxy-N-[(1-ethyl-2- pyrrolidinyl)methyl]benzamide, [125I]IBZM, were synthesized, and their in vitro binding characteristics were evaluated in rat striatum tissue preparation. The (S)-(-)-[125I]IBZM showed high specific dopamine D-2 receptor binding (Kd = 0.43 nM, Bmax = 0.48 pmol/mg of protein). Competition data of various ligands for IBZM binding displayed the following rank order of potency: spiperone greater than (S)-(-)-IBZM greater than (+)-butaclamol much greater than (R)-(+)-IBZM greater than (S)-(-)-BZM greater than dopamine greater than ketanserin greater than SCH23390 much greater than propanolol. The results indicate that [125I]IBZM binds specifically to the dopamine D-2-receptor with stereospecificity. The [123I]IBZM is potentially useful as an imaging agent for the investigation of dopamine D-2 receptors in humans.

A series of bis(N-methylcarbamate) and bis[N-(2-propyl)carbamate] derivatives of 5-substituted 6,7-bis(hydroxy-methyl)pyrrolo[1,2-c]thiazoles was prepared. The compounds were tested for activity in vivo against P388 lymphocytic leukemia, and the chemical reactivities of the compounds were compared by using the model nucleophile 4-(4-nitrobenzyl)pyridine (NBP). The 5-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-substituted biscarbamates 6b, 8b, and 12b were inactive and unreactive toward NBP. The 5-methyl-substituted biscarbamates 6a, 7a, 8a, 9a, 12a, and 13a were all active against murine P388 lymphocytic leukemia. The chemical reactivities of the active compounds depended on the oxidation state of the sulfur. The reactivity toward NBP followed the order S greater than SO much greater than SO2. The sulfones 12a and 13a are the most active compounds in this series, and their lack of reactivity toward NBP led to the suggestion that 12a and 13a are activated in vivo.