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Aim of the present study was to obtain novel α2-adrenoreceptor (α2-AR) antagonists, possibly endowed with subtype-selectivity. Therefore, inspired by the non subtype-selective α2-AR antagonist idazoxan, we designed 1,4-dioxane derivatives bearing an aromatic area in position 5 or 6 and the imidazoline nucleus in position 2. Among the novel molecules 1–6, compound 2, with a trans stereochemical relationship between 5-phenyl and 2-imidazoline groups, was able to antagonize the sole α2A-subtype. Moreover, 2 showed an affinity at I2-imidazoline binding sites (I2-IBS) comparable to that at α2A-AR. In in vivo studies 2 strongly increased morphine analgesia. This interesting behaviour appeared to be induced by the favourable involvement of α2A-AR antagonism in the I2-IBS-mediated morphine analgesia enhancement.

A series of novel openphendioxan analogues were synthesized and tested at α(1)-adrenoreceptor (AR) subtypes by binding and functional assays. The α(1d)-AR binding profile was also examined by means of 2D, 3D-QSAR together with docking studies. Multiple regression analysis suggested the relevance of adequate number of heteroatoms in the whole molecule and of passive membrane diffusion to enhance α(1d)-AR affinity. Docking simulations against a computational structural model of the biological target further proved this evidence and furnished support for chemiometric analysis, where polar, electrostatic, hydrophobic and shape effects of the ortho substituents in the phenoxy terminal, most likely governing ligand binding, helped the depiction of pharmacophore hypothesis for the examined ligands data set.

Novel 1,4-dioxane compounds structurally related to WB 4101 (1) were prepared in order to investigate the possibility that the quite planar 1,4-benzodioxane template of 1 might be replaced by the less conformationally constrained 1,4-dioxane ring. The biological profiles of the new compounds were assessed using binding assays at human cloned alpha 1-adrenoreceptor (alpha 1-AR) subtypes and 5-HT 1A receptors, expressed in Chinese hamster ovary and HeLa cell membranes, respectively, and by functional experiments in isolated rat vas deferens (alpha 1A), spleen (alpha 1B), and aorta (alpha 1D). Moreover, the cytotoxic effects of the novel compounds were determined in PC-3 prostate cancer cells. The results showed that the properly substituted 1,4-dioxane nucleus proved to be a suitable scaffold for selective alpha 1D-AR antagonists (compound 14), potential anticancer agents (compound 13), and full 5-HT 1A receptor agonists (compound 15). In particular, compound 15 may represent a novel lead in the development of highly potent 5-HT 1A receptor full agonists useful as antidepressant and neuroprotective agents.

Two stereoselective parallel divergent four-step procedures to obtain all four enantiomeric forms of N,N,N-trimethyl(6-methyl-1,4-dioxan-2-yl)methanaminium iodide were developed. Enantiomeric purity was determined by quantitative 1H NMR spectroscopy in the presence of the chiral shift reagent (+)-MTPA. The biological profile of the obtained compounds was evaluated at all muscarinic receptor subtypes by binding and functional assays.

The solution-phase synthesis of the β-turn peptidomimetic ICG-001, a selective inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin signalling, which has been found to be important for both initiation and progression of cancers of different tissues and has been exploited as an extremely useful chemogenomic tool, was developed. This route is particularly suitable for the multigram scale preparation of ICG-001.

The synthesis and pharmacological testing of a series of non-peptidic blockers of the SKCa (SK-3) channel is described. Target compounds were designed to mimic the spatial relationships of selected key residues in the energy-minimised structure of the octadecapeptide apamin, which are a highly potent blocker of this channel. Structures consist of a central unit, either a fumaric acid or an aromatic ring, to which are attached two alkylguanidine or two to four alkylaminoquinoline substituents. Potency was tested by the ability to inhibit the SKCa channel-mediated after-hyperpolarization (AHP) in cultured rat sympathetic neurones. It was found that bis-aminoquinoline derivatives are significantly more potent as channel blockers than are the corresponding guanidines. This adds to the earlier evidence that delocalisation of positive charge through the more extensive aminoquinolinium ring system is important for effective channel binding. It was also found that an increase in activity can be gained by the addition of a third aminoquinoline residue to give non-quaternized amines which have submicromolar potencies (IC50 = 0.13–0.36 μM). Extension to four aminoquinoline residues increased the potency to IC50 = 93 nM.

To assess the stereochemical requirements for efficient α2C-adrenoreceptor activation, the enantiomeric forms of m-nitrobiphenyline [(±)-5] were prepared and tested on cells expressing the human α2-adrenoreceptor subtypes. The importance of chirality was confirmed, since the enantiomer (R)-(+)-5 was much more efficient than (S)-(−)-5 in producing α2C-activation. Surprising reversal of enantioselectivity was observed with respect to structurally similar biphenyline [(±)-1] whose (S)-(−)-form proved the preferred α2C-configuration.

Chemical and biological strategies have provided evidence for alpha(2)-receptor heterogeneity, to date classified in three different subtypes, alpha(2A), alpha(2B), and alpha(2C). These are widely distributed throughout the body and mediate numerous effects; therefore, the potential therapeutic indications of agonists and antagonists are numerous. Nevertheless, the lack of subtype-selectivity of the well-known compounds represents a major limit for their use. SAR studies may help to design new and more selective drugs.

Background There is evidence that calcium (Ca2+) increases the proliferation of human advanced prostate cancer (PCa) cells but the ion channels involved are not fully understood. Here, we investigated the correlation between alpha1D-adrenergic receptor (alpha1D-AR) and the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) expression levels in human PCa tissues and evaluated the ability of alpha1D-AR to cross-talk with TRPV1 in PCa cell lines. Methods The expression of alpha1D-AR and TRPV1 was examined in human PCa tissues by quantitative RT-PCR and in PCa cell lines (DU145, PC3 and LNCaP) by cytofluorimetry. Moreover, alpha1D-AR and TRPV1 colocalization was investigated by confocal microscopy in PCa cell lines and by fluorescence microscopy in benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and PCa tissues. Cell proliferation was assessed by BrdU incorporation. Alpha1D-AR/TRPV1 knockdown was obtained using siRNA transfection. Signalling pathways were evaluated by measurement of extracellular acidification rate, Ca2+ flux, IP3 production, western blot and MTT assay. Results The levels of the alpha1D-AR and TRPV1 mRNAs are increased in PCa compared to BPH specimens and a high correlation between alpha1D-AR and TRPV1 expression levels was found. Moreover, alpha1D-AR and TRPV1 are co-expressed in prostate cancer cell lines and specimens. Noradrenaline (NA) induced an alpha1D-AR- and TRPV1-dependent protons release and Ca2+ flux in PC3 cell lines; NA by triggering the activation of phospholipase C (PLC), protein kinase C (PKC) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) pathways stimulated PC3 cell proliferation, that was completely inhibited by clopenphendioxan (WS433) and capsazepine (CPZ) combination or by alpha1D-AR/TRPV1 double knockdown. Conclusions We demonstrate a cross-talk between alpha1D-AR and TRPV1, that is involved in the control of PC3 cell proliferation. These data strongly support for a putative novel pharmacological approach in the treatment of PCa by targeting both alpha1D-AR and TRPV1 channels. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2407-14-921) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A series of new α1-adrenoreceptor antagonists (5−18) was prepared by introducing various substituents (Topliss approach) into the ortho, meta, and para positions of the benzyloxy function of the phendioxan open analogue 4 (“openphendioxan”). All the compounds synthesized were potent antagonists and generally displayed, similarly to 4, the highest affinity values at α1D- with respect to α1A- and α1B-AR subtypes and 5-HT1A subtype. By sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay on human PC-3 prostate cancer cells, the new compounds showed antitumor activity (estimated on the basis of three parameters GI50, TGI, LC50), at low micromolar concentration, with 7 (“clopenphendioxan”) exhibiting the highest efficacy. Moreover, this study highlighted for the first time α1D- and α1B-AR expression in PC3 cells and also demonstrated the involvement of these subtypes in the modulation of apoptosis and cell proliferation. A significant reduction of α1D- and α1B-AR expression in PC3 cells was associated with the apoptosis induced by 7....

Geometric cis, trans isomers, derivatives of 2-substituted-1,3-dioxolanes and 2-substituted-1,3-dioxanes were designed and studied as antimuscarinic agents. The synthesized compounds were evaluated as perchlorides and methiodides by functional tests with rabit vas deferens (putatvie M1), guinea-pig heart (M2) and guinea-pig ileum (M3). The effect of the replacement of a trimethylammonium group with a dimethylsulfonium in the two rings was also evalutated. Pharmacological results indicate that the 1,3-dioxane nucleus shows the highest stereoselective values on the studied receptors.

A series of derivatives structurally related to biphenyline (3) was designed with the aim to modulate selectivity toward the alpha(2)-AR subtypes. The results obtained demonstrated that the presence of a correctly oriented function with positive electronic effect (+sigma) in portion X of the ligands is an important factor for significant alpha(2C)-subtype selectivity (imidazolines 5, 13, 16, and 19). Homology modeling and docking studies support experimental data and highlight the crucial role for the hydrogen bond between the pyridine nitrogen in position 3 of 5 and the NH-indole ring of Trp6.48, which is favorably oriented in the alpha(2C)-subtype, only.

Binding affinities at I 1 and I 2 Imidazoline Binding Sites (IBS) of a number of properly substituted imidazoline, oxazoline and pyrroline ligands were studied through an integrated modelling approach based on a coordinated application of 2D- (MGZ) and 3D-QSAR (CoMFA-and GRID-GOLPE) analyses and on the development of a quantitative pharmacophore (HypoGen). Congruent and significant cross-validated 2D and 3D correlations, having promising predictive ability, indicated that electrostatic and steric interactions differently modulate the binding affinities at I 1 /I 2 IBS. Stereoselective interactions of chiral a or β substituted imidazolines, leading to diverse I 1 /I 2 binding affinities and selectivities, were correctly predicted by the models. Slightly different pharmacophore features were detected by means of Hypogen for I 1 and I 2 -IBS ligands.

The α- and β-methyl derivatives of 2-phenylethylimidazoline (compounds 7 and 8) and the corresponding enantiomers were prepared and tested with the purpose of studying the role played by the ethylene bridge in modulating Ii- and I 2 -IBS selectivity. The α-methylation appeared to be extremely critical regarding the affinity and selectivity for the I 1 -IBS subtypes (I 1 /I 2 = 186 for imidazoline 7) and the stereospecificity of interaction (eudismic ratio (S)-(-)-7/(R)-(+)-7 = 5888). Instead, even if in a more limited fashion, the β-methylation tended toward I 2 -IBS selectivity (I 2 /I 1 = 50 for imidazoline 8). The unsubstituted compound 4 (I 2 /I 1 = 1479) proved to be considerably more potent and selective with respect to I 2 -IBS subtypes.

A series of muscarinic agonists, straight chained, branched, cyclic alkyl and aromatic derivatives of the oxime 1 (demox) was designed with the aim of investigating their activity on muscarinic receptor subtypes. Effects on M 1 receptor were assessed functionally by a microphysiometer apparatus, while M 2 , M 3 , and M 4 receptor potency and affinity were studied on isolated preparations of guinea pig heart, ileum, and lung, respectively. The results suggest that the substitution of a hydrogen with a long side-chain or bulky group generally induces a decrease in potency at M 1 and M 3 subtypes, while a general increase in this parameter is obtained at M 2 subtype. Among the agonists 2 – 18 , compound 4 behaves as a full agonist with a preference for M 3 subtype. Moreover, compound 12 is inactive at M 1 and M 4 receptors while it displays a full agonist activity at M 2 and M 3 subtypes. Since demox displays a variable response on cardiac M 2 receptors regulating heart force, an in-depth inquiry of the functional behaviour of this compound was carried out at M 2 receptors. In presence of 10 −11 and 10 −10 M demox, the binding of [ 3 H]-NMS was increased by ≈ 30% as a consequence of an increase of the association of [ 3 H]-NMS to membranes; this effect was not observed in presence of a higher concentration of [ 3 H]-NMS. Higher concentrations of demox decreased the binding of [ 3 H]-NMS to heart atrial membranes but significantly retarded the dissociation of this radioligand. Our results suggest that demox may interact with orthosteric and allosteric sites of atrial M 2 muscarinic receptor.

Pharmacological studies have suggested that I1-imidazoline receptors are involved in the regulation of cardiovascular function and that selective I1-agonists, devoid of the side effects associated with the common hypotensive α2-adrenoreceptor agonists, might be considered as a second generation of centrally acting antihypertensives. Therefore, in the present study, inspired by the antihypertensive behavior of our selective I1-agonist 4, we designed, prepared, and studied the novel analogues 5-9. A selective I1-profile, associated with significant hemodinamic effects, was displayed by 5, 8, and 9. Interestingly, the highest potency and longest lasting activity displayed by 8 (carbomethyline) suggested that van der Waals interactions, promoted by the ortho methyl decoration of its aromatic moiety, are particularly advantageous. In addition, in analogy to what was noted for (S)-(+)-4, the observation that only (S)-(+)-8 displayed significant hemodynamic effects unequivocally confirmed the stereospecific nature of the I1 proteins.

Background: A frequent mechanism of acquired multidrug resistance in human cancers is overexpression of ATP-binding cassette transporters such as the Multi-Drug Resistance Protein 1 (MDR-1). Nutlin-3, an MDM2–p53 antagonist, has previously been reported to be a competitive MDR-1 inhibitor. Methods: This study assessed whether the structurally diverse MDM2–p53 antagonists, MI-63, NDD0005, and RG7388 are also able to modulate MDR-1 function, particularly in p53 mutant neuroblastoma cells, using XTT-based cell viability assays, western blotting, and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. Results: Verapamil and the MDM2–p53 antagonists potentiated vincristine-mediated growth inhibition in a concentration-dependent manner when used in combination with high MDR-1-expressing p53 mutant neuroblastoma cell lines at concentrations that did not affect the viability of cells when given alone. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analyses showed that verapamil, Nutlin-3, MI-63 and NDD0005, but not RG7388, led to increased intracellular levels of vincristine in high MDR-1-expressing cell lines. Conclusions: These results show that in addition to Nutlin-3, other structurally unrelated MDM2–p53 antagonists can also act as MDR-1 inhibitors and reverse MDR-1-mediated multidrug resistance in neuroblastoma cell lines in a p53-independent manner. These findings are important for future clinical trial design with MDM2–p53 antagonists when used in combination with agents that are MDR-1 substrates.

The methyl group in cis stereochemical relationship with the basic chain of all pentatomic cyclic analogues of ACh is crucial for the agonist activity at mAChR. Among these only cevimeline (1) is employed in the treatment of xerostomia associated with Sjogren's syndrome. Here we demonstrated that, unlike 1,3-dioxolane derivatives, in the 1,4-dioxane series the methyl group is not essential for the activation of mAChR subtypes. Docking studies, using the crystal structures of human M2 and rat M3 receptors, demonstrated that the 5-methylene group of the 1,4-dioxane nucleus of compound 10 occupies the same lipophilic pocket as the methyl group of the 1,3-dioxolane 4.

Analogues of nicotine (1) and azanicotine (3) were prepared with an additional methylene group inserted between the two rings (i.e., homonicotine and homoazanicotine; 6 and 5, respectively). Although 6 (Ki = 3110 nM) and 3 (Ki = 206 nM) bind at nACh receptors withor = 100-fold lower affinity than nicotine (Ki = 2.1 nM), 5 displays high affinity (Ki = 7.8 nM). Like nicotine (ED50 = 12 microg/mouse), both 3 and 5 (ED50 = 21 and 19 microg/mouse, respectively) produced antinociceptive activity in the tail-flick assay following intrathecal administration. The antinociceptive actions of 3 and 5, unlike those of nicotine, were not antagonized by mecamylamine. Compounds 3 and 5 might represent novel analgesic agents that act via a non-nicotinic mechanism, or via a nicotinic mechanism that is distinct from that mediating the antinociceptive actions of nicotine.

A protocol for predicting full agonist, partial agonist, and antagonist profiles of compounds with M2 muscarinic cholinergic receptor activity was developed using radioligand binding assay techniques with [3H]-N-methyl scopolamine (NMS) and [3H]-Oxotremorine-M (Oxo-M) as radioligands. Full muscarinic cholinergic receptor agonists such as muscarine and oxotremorine-M expressed a high agonist index (> 3000 for M1 muscarinic cholinergic receptors and > 900 for M2 muscarinic cholinergic receptor), whereas muscarinic receptor antagonists (selective or non-selective) for different receptor subtypes gave a low (0.5-10) agonist index. Functional studies performed on preparations of guinea-pig ileum and heart were consistent with radioligand binding assay experiments. The above results suggest that similarly as already established for the M1 muscarinic cholinergic receptor subtype, evaluation of the [3H]-NMS/[3H]-Oxo-M ratio may provide useful information on the profile of compounds acting at the M2 muscarinic cholinergic receptor subtype. The availability of simple and predictive techniques for the characterization of muscarinic M2 cholinergic receptor agonists, may help the identification of new compounds in therapeutic areas in which stimulation or inhibition of this receptor is desirable.

Opioid addiction is often characterized as a chronic relapsing condition due to the severe somatic and behavioral signs, associated with depressive disorders, triggered by opiate withdrawal. Since prolonged abstinence remains a major challenge, our interest has been addressed to such objective. Exploring multitarget interactions, the present investigation suggests that 3 or its (S)-enantiomer and 4, endowed with effective α2C-AR agonism/α2A-AR antagonism/5-HT1A-R agonism, or 7 and 9–11 producing efficacious α2C-AR agonism/α2A-AR antagonism/I2–IBS interaction might represent novel multifunctional tools potentially useful for reducing withdrawal syndrome and associated depression. Such agents, lacking in sedative side effects due to their α2A-AR antagonism, might afford an improvement over current therapies with clonidine-like drugs.

5-HT(1A) receptor and α(1)-adrenoreceptor (α(1)-AR) binding sites recognized by the 1,4-dioxanes 2-4 display reversed stereochemical requirements. (S)-2 proved to be a potent 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist highly selective over α(1)-AR subtypes. Chirality influenced the anticancer activity of 3 and 4 in human prostate cancer cells (PC-3): (R)-4, eutomer at the α(1d)-AR subtype, was the most potent. The decreased effect of 4 and (R)-4 in α(1d)-AR silenced PC-3 cells confirmed that their anticancer activity was α(1d)-AR-dependent.

A total of 20 substituted analogues of nicotine (1a) and homoazanicotine (3a) were examined in order to determine whether or not they might bind in a similar manner at α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholinergic (nACh) receptors. It was found that parallel structural changes in the two series resulted in parallel shifts in affinity. Evidence suggests that the two series are binding in a comparable fashion.

This study demonstrated that cyclomethyline (2) and the corresponding enantiomers (R)-(−)-2 and (S)-(+)-2, displaying α2C-adrenoreceptor (AR) agonism/α2A-AR antagonism, similarly to allyphenyline (1) and its enantiomers, significantly decreased the naloxone-precipitated withdrawal symptoms in mice at very low doses. It also highlighted that such positive effects on morphine dependence can even be improved by additional serotoninergic 5-HT1A receptor (5-HT1A-R) activation. Indeed, 1 or the single (S)-(+)-1, 2, or both its enantiomers, all behaving as α2C-AR agonists/α2A-AR antagonists/5-HT1A-R agonists, alone and at the same low dose, improved morphine withdrawal syndrome and exerted a potent antidepressant-like effect. Therefore, considering the elevated comorbidity between opiate abuse and depressed mood and the benefit of these multifunctional compounds to both disorders, it is possible that they prove more efficacious and less toxic than a cocktail of drugs in managing opioid addiction.

In this study the modulation of the pharmacological profile from agonist to antagonist was successfully obtained by replacing the methyl group in position 6 of the 1,4-dioxane scaffold of the potent M(2)/M(3) muscarinic agonist 1 with bulkier groups. In particular, the 6,6-diphenyl substitution provided the potent M(3) preferring antagonist (±)-17, which in in vivo study proved to be effective in reducing the volume-induced contractions of rat urinary bladder and was devoid of cardiovascular effects.

In this study the modulation of the pharmacological profile from agonist to antagonist was successfully obtained by replacing the methyl group in position 6 of the 1,4-dioxane scaffold of the potent M(2)/M(3) muscarinic agonist 1 with bulkier groups. In particular, the 6,6-diphenyl substitution provided the potent M(3) preferring antagonist (±)-17, which in in vivo study proved to be effective in reducing the volume-induced contractions of rat urinary bladder and was devoid of cardiovascular effects.

To acquire more information about the so-called "muscarinic subsite", compound 4 was synthesized and tested. The results show that in comparison with deoxamuscarine (23) the muscarinic potency of 4 on M2 and M3 subtypes is not significantly altered by the presence of an epoxidic function, which confirms the donor-acceptor hydrogen bonding character of this receptive site. Conversely, there is a negative influence on the transduction processes. In addition, a second hydroxylic function bound on the carbon carrying the terminal methyl of the fourth substituent on the nitrogen dramatically affects the muscarinic behavior; the resulting compounds (11-14) lack any agonist or antagonist activity.

Aim of the present study was to obtain novel α(2)-adrenoreceptor (α(2)-AR) antagonists, possibly endowed with subtype-selectivity. Therefore, inspired by the non subtype-selective α(2)-AR antagonist idazoxan, we designed 1,4-dioxane derivatives bearing an aromatic area in position 5 or 6 and the imidazoline nucleus in position 2. Among the novel molecules 1-6, compound 2, with a trans stereochemical relationship between 5-phenyl and 2-imidazoline groups, was able to antagonize the sole α(2A)-subtype. Moreover, 2 showed an affinity at I(2)-imidazoline binding sites (I(2)-IBS) comparable to that at α(2A)-AR. In in vivo studies 2 strongly increased morphine analgesia. This interesting behaviour appeared to be induced by the favourable involvement of α(2A)-AR antagonism in the I(2)-IBS-mediated morphine analgesia enhancement.

α2-Adrenoceptors (α2-ARs) are membrane proteins belonging to the superfamily of GPCRs. Detailed studies have shown three different subtypes, namely α2A, α2B and α2C. Although numerous α2-AR ligands exist, only a small set of compounds have shown even a degree of selectivity among the three α2-AR subtypes. Moreover, these compounds suffer from binding to receptor sites outside the α2-AR subfamily. Efforts made to understand the biological significance of each α2-AR subtype have greatly been assisted by genetically engineered mice. The main results obtained suggest that α2C-AR stimulation may represent a therapeutic strategy to get an analgesic response with reduced sedative effects and undesirable changes in blood pressure due to α2A-AR activation.This review summarizes the patent literature about the development of α2C-AR modulators from 2000 to early 2010 and their therapeutic effects evoked by the interaction with this receptor subtype.Over 90 patents have been deposited in the last 10 years regarding different methods of α2C-AR modulation (use of agonists or antagonists, nucleic acids and polypeptides) for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of disorders involving this receptor. Nevertheless, despite the numerous published patents, ligands highly selective for the α2C-AR subtype, which continues to be enigmatic, are lacking.

The observation that the insertion of a phenyl ring at position 3 of WB 4101 (1) afforded a potent and selective alpha 1-adrenoreceptor antagonist, phendioxan (2), prompted us to further investigate that position of the 2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin moiety. Thus the 3-phenyl of 2 was replaced by methyl, isopropyl, cyclohexyl, or para-substituted phenyl groups either in a cis or a trans relationships affording compounds 3-17 and 58. The structure of these new derivatives was assigned on the basis of the coupling constant of hydrogens at positions 2 and 3 and confirmed by a crystallographic study. The blocking activity and relative selectivity of 3-17 on alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoreceptors were evaluated in the isolated rat vas deferens. The results were compared with those obtained for 1 and 2. All the compounds, with the exception of isopropyl and cyclohexyl derivatives 5-8, were effective alpha 1-adrenoreceptor antagonists with a significant alpha 1/alpha 2-selectivity. The lipophilic and/or electronic character of para substituents of the 3-phenyl ring does not alter markedly the affinity toward alpha 1-adrenoreceptors. However, the 3-p-tolyl derivative 10 was slightly more potent and even more selective than 2.

The functional in vitro study of the enantiomers of imidazolines 4-7 highlighted the role played by the nature of the ortho phenyl substituent in determining the preferred α(2C)-AR configuration. Indeed, the (S) enantiomers of 4-6 or (R) enantiomer of 7 behave as eutomers and activate this subtype as full agonists; the corresponding distomers are partial agonists. Because in clinical pain management with opioids α(2C)-AR agonists, devoid of the α(2A)-AR-mediated side effects, may represent an improvement over current therapies with clonidine like drugs, 4 and its enantiomers, showing α(2C)-agonism/α(2A)-antagonism, have been studied in vivo. The data suggest that partial α(2C)-activation is compatible with effective enhancement of morphine analgesia and reduction both of morphine tolerance acquisition and morphine dependence acquisition and expression. On the contrary, full α(2C)-activation appears advantageous in reducing morphine tolerance expression. Interestingly, the biological profile displayed by 4 (allyphenyline) and its eutomer (S)-(+)-4 has been found to be very unusual.

The synthesis of 2-(4-fluoro-3-hydroxyphenyl)ethylamine (26) and of some N,N-dialkyl derivatives (27-30) starting from 4-fluoro-3-hydroxytoluene and their in vitro binding affinities for dopamine (DA) receptor are reported. The amine 26 can be regarded as a molecular modification of DA in which the para hydroxyl group is replaced by fluorine. The new compounds 26-30 were evaluated for their affinity at D-1 and D-2 DA receptor subtypes by displacement of [3H]SCH 23390 (D-1 selective) and [3H]spiperone (D-2 selective). The amine 26 had about 2-fold less affinity for D-1 and D-2 binding sites than DA. The substitution of the amino group with ethyl, n-propyl, and 2-phenylethyl groups decreased the affinity for D-1 binding sites but greatly enhanced the effectiveness on D-2 binding sites. The N-ethyl- (28) and N-n-propyl-N-(2-phenylethyl)-2-(4-fluoro-3- hydroxyphenyl)ethylamine (30) were the most potent members of the series with high selectivity for D-2 binding sites. A similar effect was observed with isomeric N-n-propyl-N-(2-phenylethyl)-2-(3-fluoro-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylamine (31) which was approximately 65 times more selective for D-2 sites vs D-1 sites. The introduction of a 2-phenylethyl group on the nitrogen atom induce the highest effect, perhaps as a consequence of an increased liposolubility or of binding to a complementary lipophilic site on the receptor.

To acquire more information about the so-called "muscarinic subsite", compound 4 was synthesized and tested.The results show that in comparison with deoxamuscarine (23) the muscarinic potency of 4 on M2 and M3 subtypes is not significantly altered by the presence of an epoxidic function, which confirms the donor-acceptor hydrogen bonding charactor of this receptive site. Conversely, there is a negative influence on the transduction prosesses. In addition, a second hydroxylic function bound on the carbon carrying the terminal methyl of the fourth substituent on the nitrogen dramatically affects the muscarinic behavior; the resulting compounds (11-1) lack any agonist or antagonist activity.

A series of rigid compounds - derivatives of 2,2-diphenyl-[1,3]-dioxolan-4-ylmethyl-dimethylamine methiodide (1b) - has been synthesized and tested to evaluate affinity and selectivity for M 1 , M 2 , and M 3 muscarinic receptors. The stereochemistry of the annulation does not influence the activity ; the optimal distance between nitrogen and the benzhydryl group seems to be that with the nitrogen in the rigid ring (2b) or the nitrogen directly bound at the cyclopentane nucleus (9b, 11b). The different structure-activity relationships between tertiary amines (a series) and the corresponding quarternary salts (b series) suggest a different binding to the receptor sites.

Conservative chemical modifications of the core structure of the lead spipethiane (1) afforded novel potent sigma(1) ligands. sigma(1) affinity and sigma(1/)sigma(2) selectivity proved to be favored by the introduction of polar functions (oxygen atom or carbonyl group) in position 3 or 4 (4-6) or by the elongation of the distance between the two hydrophobic portions of the molecule with the simultaneous presence of a carbonyl group in position 4 (8 and 9). The observed cytostatic effect against the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7/ADR, highly expressing sigma(1) receptors, and not against MCF-7, as well as the enhancement of morphine analgesia highlighted the sigma(1) antagonist profile of this series of compounds. In particular, due to its high sigma(1) affinity (pK(i) = 10.28) and sigma(1)/sigma(2) selectivity ratio (29510), compound 9 might be a novel valuable tool for sigma receptor characterization and a suitable template for the rational design of potential therapeutically useful sigma(1) antagonists.

The imidazoline nucleus linked in position 2 via an oxyethylene bridge to a phenyl ring carrying an ortho substituent of moderate steric bulk provided alpha(2)-adrenergic (AR) ligands endowed with significant alpha(2C)-agonism/alpha(2A)-antagonism. Similar behavior was displayed by cirazoline (12). For their positive morphine analgesia modulation (due to alpha(2C)-AR stimulation) and sedation overcoming (due to alpha(2A)-AR antagonism), 8 and 11 might be useful as adjuvant agents in the management of pain with morphine. Fil: Cardinaletti, Claudia. Università degli Studi di Camerino; Italia Fil: Mattioli, Laura. Università degli Studi di Camerino; Italia Fil: Ghelfi, Francesca. Università degli Studi di Camerino; Francia Fil: Del Bello, Fabio. Università degli Studi di Camerino; Francia Fil: Gianella, Mario. Università degli Studi di Camerino; Francia Fil: Bruzzone, Ariana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Fundación de Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental; Argentina Fil: Paris, Hervé. Inserm; Francia Fil: Perfumi, Marina. Università degli Studi di Camerino; Francia Fil: Piergentili, Alessandro. Università degli Studi di Camerino; Francia Fil: Quaglia, Wilma. Università degli Studi di Camerino; Francia Fil: Pigini, Maria. Università degli Studi di Camerino; Francia

Novel analogues of cis-N,N,N-trimethyl-(6-methyl-1,4-dioxan-2-yl)methanaminium iodide (2a) were synthesized by inserting methyl groups alternatively or simultaneously in positions 5 and 6 of the 1,4-dioxane nucleus in all combinations. Their biological profile was assessed by receptor binding assays at human muscarinic M(1)-M(5) receptors stably expressed in CHO cells and by functional studies performed on classical isolated organ preparations, namely, rabbit electrically stimulated vas deferens, and guinea pig electrically stimulated left atrium, ileum, and lung strips. The results showed that the simultaneous presence of one methyl group in both positions 5 and 6 with a trans stereochemical relationship with each other (diastereomers 4 and 5) or the geminal dimethylation in position 6 (compound 8) favour the selective activation of M(3) receptors. Compounds 4, 5, and 8 might be valuable tools in the characterization of the M(3) receptor, as well as provide useful information for the design and development of novel selective M(3) antagonists.

The study of two series of 2-aryl-ethylen-imidazolines 3-7 and 8-12 inspired by I2-IBS ligands phenyzoline (1) and diphenyzoline (2), respectively, confirmed the interesting "positive" or "negative" morphine analgesia modulation displayed by their corresponding leads and demonstrated that these effects might be correlated with morphine tolerance and dependence, respectively. By comparative examination of rationally designed compounds, some analogies between binding site cavity of I2-IBS proteins and alpha 2C-adrenoreceptor emerged.

The goal of the present study was to modulate the receptor interaction properties of known alpha 2-adrenoreceptor (AR) antagonists to obtain novel alpha 2-AR agonists with desirable subtype selectivity. Therefore, a phenyl group or one of its bioisosteres or aliphatic moieties with similar steric hindrance were introduced into the aromatic ring of the antagonist lead basic structure. The functional properties of the novel compounds allowed our previous observations to be confirmed. The high efficacy of 7, 12, and 13 as alpha 2-AR agonists and the significant alpha 2C-AR subtype selective activation displayed by 11 and 15 demonstrated that favorable interactions to induce alpha 2-AR activation were formed between the pendant groups of the ligands and the aromatic cluster present in transmembrane domain 6 of the binding site cavity of the receptors.

The solution-phase synthesis of the β-turn peptidomimetic ICG-001, a selective inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin signalling, which has been found to be important for both initiation and progression of cancers of different tissues and has been exploited as an extremely useful chemogenomic tool, was developed. This route is particularly suitable for the multigram scale preparation of ICG-001.

Due to the lack of highly selective dopamine D(1) or D(5) receptor ligands, only few data about activation or blocking of these receptor subtypes are available. The present review collects the available information about molecules with notable affinity for D(5) receptor subtype with the purpose to help the researchers to design novel D(5) selective ligands, whose discovery may enrich the knowledge about the physiological function of such a receptor, provide information about its topography, as well as lead to novel potential therapeutic tools.

Chemical and biological strategies have provided evidence for alpha(2)-receptor heterogeneity, to date classified in three different subtypes, alpha(2A), alpha(2B), and alpha(2C). These are widely distributed throughout the body and mediate numerous effects; therefore, the potential therapeutic indications of agonists and antagonists are numerous. Nevertheless, the lack of subtype-selectivity of the well-known compounds represents a major limit for their use. SAR studies may help to design new and more selective drugs.

Muscarinic agonists, bearing 1,4-dioxane and 1,4-oxathiane nuclei, were synthesized and tested to evaluate their potency at M1–M4 muscarinic receptor subtypes. The stereochemical relationship between the 2-side chain and the 6-methyl group plays an important role in drug–receptor interaction, since the cis isomers are more potent than the corresponding trans isomers. However, the latter are able to discriminate between the muscarinic receptor subtypes. Among them compound 5b proves particularly interesting, since it selectively activates the ileal M3 receptor subtype and is devoid of agonist activity at the others.

A series of new alpha1-adrenoreceptor antagonists (5-18) was prepared by introducing various substituents (Topliss approach) into the ortho, meta, and para positions of the benzyloxy function of the phendioxan open analogue 4 ("openphendioxan"). All the compounds synthesized were potent antagonists and generally displayed, similarly to 4, the highest affinity values at alpha1D- with respect to alpha1A- and alpha1B-AR subtypes and 5-HT1A subtype. By sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay on human PC-3 prostate cancer cells, the new compounds showed antitumor activity (estimated on the basis of three parameters GI50, TGI, LC50), at low micromolar concentration, with 7 ("clopenphendioxan") exhibiting the highest efficacy. Moreover, this study highlighted for the first time alpha1D- and alpha1B-AR expression in PC3 cells and also demonstrated the involvement of these subtypes in the modulation of apoptosis and cell proliferation. A significant reduction of alpha1D- and alpha1B-AR expression in PC3 cells was associated with the apoptosis induced by 7. This depletion was completely reversed by norepinephrine.

A set of new muscarinic antagonists, bridged bicyclic derivatives of 2,2-diphenyl-[1,3]-dioxolan-4-ylmethyl-dimethylamine (1), was synthesized and tested to evaluate their affinity and selectivity for M(1), M(2), M(3) and M(4) receptor subtypes. The conformational constraint of 1 in a bicyclic structure, and the variation in distance and stereochemistry of the active functions allowed us to modulate the selectivity of interaction with the M(1)-M(3) receptor subtypes. The most interesting compound was (cis,trans)-2-(2,2-diphenylethyl)-5-methyl-tetrahydro-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-c]pyrrole oxalate (6), which is equipotent with Pirenzepine on rabbit vas deferens (M(1)-putative) but shows a better selectivity profile.