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As an effective strategy of the drug discovery for peptide-binding GPCRs based on the natural ligands, beta-turn peptidomimetic compound library with benzodiazepine skeleton was constructed using solid and solution phase parallel synthesis with four different scaffolds containing Phe, Lys, Ser and Glu, respectively. The usefulness of 162 library compounds was evaluated by the cell based screening at melanocortin 4 receptor in CHO-k1 cells, to find hit compounds showing agonistic effect at the receptor. The screening of library afforded three hit compounds including the most effective analog, (S)-3-benzyl-7-(4-fluorobenzyloxy)-4-(4-methoxyphenethyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-benzo[e][1,4]diazepin-2(3H)-one, 13aiE, of which EC(50) was determined as 13 microM.

We report the design and synthesis of an insulin receptor kinase family-targeted inhibitor template using the inhibitor conformation observed in an IGF1R/inhibitor co-crystal complex by application of a novel molecular design approach that we have recently published. The synthesis of the template involves a one pot Opatz cyclization reaction that provides a versatile indole ester in good yields. We also developed the required chemistry to elaborate this template with additional substituents and have used this chemistry to prepare some initial compounds that show selective inhibition of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK).

An extensive protein-protein interaction network has been identified between proteins implicated in inherited ataxias. The protein sacsin, which is mutated in the early-onset neurodegenerative disease autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay, is a node in this interactome. Here, we have established the neuronal expression of sacsin and functionally characterized domains of the 4579 amino acid protein. Sacsin is most highly expressed in large neurons, particularly within brain motor systems, including cerebellar Purkinje cells. Its subcellular localization in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells was predominantly cytoplasmic with a mitochondrial component. We identified a putative ubiquitin-like (UbL) domain at the N-terminus of sacsin and demonstrated an interaction with the proteasome. Furthermore, sacsin contains a predicted J-domain, the defining feature of DnaJ/Hsp40 proteins. Using a bacterial complementation assay, the sacsin J-domain was demonstrated to be functional. The presence of both UbL and J-domains in sacsin suggests that it may integrate the ubiquitin-proteasome system and Hsp70 function to a specific cellular role. The Hsp70 chaperone machinery is an important component of the cellular response towards aggregation prone mutant proteins that are associated with neurodegenerative diseases. We therefore investigated the effects of siRNA-mediated sacsin knockdown on polyglutamine-expanded ataxin-1. Importantly, SACS siRNA did not affect cell viability with GFP-ataxin-1[30Q], but enhanced the toxicity of GFP-ataxin-1[82Q], suggesting that sacsin is protective against mutant ataxin-1. Thus, sacsin is an ataxia protein and a regulator of the Hsp70 chaperone machinery that is implicated in the processing of other ataxia-linked proteins.

The melanocortin receptor (MCR) family consists of 5 G protein-coupled receptors (MC1R-MC5R) with diverse physiologic roles. MC2R is a critical component of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, whereas MC3R and MC4R have an essential role in energy homeostasis. Mutations in MC4R are the single most common cause of monogenic obesity. Investigating the way in which these receptors signal and traffic to the cell membrane is vital in understanding disease processes related to MCR dysfunction. MRAP is an MC2R accessory protein, responsible for adrenal MC2R trafficking and function. Here we identify MRAP2 as a unique homologue of MRAP, expressed in brain and the adrenal gland. We report that MRAP and MRAP2 can interact with all 5 MCRs. This interaction results in MC2R surface expression and signaling. In contrast, MRAP and MRAP2 can reduce MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R responsiveness to [Nle4,D-Phe7]alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (NDP-MSH). Collectively, our data identify MRAP and MRAP2 as unique bidirectional regulators of the MCR family.

Certain G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) fail to be expressed in a functional form at the cell surface. This may be due to the improper folding and maturation of GPCRs which are highly intricate events that need to take place before these integral membrane proteins can be transported from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where they are synthesised, to the plasma membrane which is their site of action. Once at the plasma membrane they act as the recognition elements for a vast range of endogenous ligands including biogenic amines, peptides, glycoproteins, lipids, nucleotides, ions and proteases. The assistance of molecular chaperones has been widely implicated in the trafficking and function of these proteins. Characterisation of certain GPCRs has identified a novel group of membrane proteins collectively named 'accessory proteins' as being important for the expression and function of GPCRs. In this review we will summarise the importance of these accessory proteins for the function of their respective GPCRs. Understanding their roles in GPCR expression would not only give us an insight into these receptors from a cell biological point of view but may also potentially lead to the development of novel therapeutics.

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), a receptor tyrosine kinase in the insulin receptor superfamily, was initially identified in constitutively activated oncogenic fusion forms - the most common being nucleophosmin-ALK - in anaplastic large-cell lymphomas, and subsequent studies have identified ALK fusions in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, systemic histiocytosis, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors, esophageal squamous cell carcinomas and non-small-cell lung carcinomas. More recently, genomic DNA amplification and protein overexpression, as well as activating point mutations, of ALK have been described in neuroblastomas. In addition to those cancers for which a causative role for aberrant ALK activity is well validated, more circumstantial links implicate the full-length, normal ALK receptor in the genesis of other malignancies - including glioblastoma and breast cancer - via a mechanism of receptor activation involving autocrine and/or paracrine growth loops with the reported ALK ligands, pleiotrophin and midkine. This review summarizes normal ALK biology, the confirmed and putative roles of ALK in the development of human cancers and efforts to target ALK using small-molecule kinase inhibitors.

Melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R) is the receptor for the pituitary hormone ACTH. When activated, MC2R stimulates cAMP production and adrenal steroidogenesis. The functional expression of the receptor requires melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein (MRAP), a single-transmembrane domain protein involved in the trafficking of MC2R from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cell surface. Mutations in both MC2R and MRAP cause the inherited disease familial glucocorticoid deficiency. At present, little is known regarding the mechanism of MRAP in MC2R functional expression. Here we report the characterization of MRAP in the trafficking of MC2R to the cell surface and the formation of a functional receptor. We identify the transmembrane domain of MRAP as the MC2R interaction domain and a conserved N-terminal tyrosine-rich domain of MRAP that is required for trafficking MC2R to the cell surface.

Purpose: To perform a phenotypic assessment of members of three British families with blue cone monochromatism (BCM), and to determine the underlying molecular genetic basis of disease., Methods: Affected members of three British families with BCM were examined clinically and underwent detailed electrophysiological and psychophysical testing. Blood samples were taken for DNA extraction. Molecular analysis involved the amplification of the coding regions of the long (L) and medium (M) wave cone opsin genes and the upstream locus control region (LCR) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Gene products were directly sequenced and analyzed., Results: In all three families, genetic analysis identified that the underlying cause of BCM involved an unequal crossover within the opsin gene array, with an inactivating mutation. Family 1 had a single 5'-L-M-3' hybrid gene, with an inactivating Cys203Arg (C203R) mutation. Family 3 had an array composed of a C203R inactivated 5'-L-M-3' hybrid gene followed by a second inactive gene. Families 1 and 3 had typical clinical, electrophysiological, and psychophysical findings consistent with stationary BCM. A novel mutation was detected in Family 2 that had a single hybrid gene lacking exon 2. This family presented clinical and psychophysical evidence of a slowly progressive phenotype., Conclusions: Two of the BCM-causing family genotypes identified in this study comprised different hybrid genes, each of which contained the commonly described C203R inactivating mutation. The genotype in the family with evidence of a slowly progressive phenotype represents a novel BCM mutation. The deleted exon 2 in this family is not predicted to result in a shift in the reading frame, therefore we hypothesize that an abnormal opsin protein product may accumulate and lead to cone cell loss over time. This is the first report of slow progression associated with this class of mutation in the L or M opsin genes in BCM.

Context: There are at least 24 missense, nonconservative mutations found in the ACTH receptor [melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R)] that have been associated with the autosomal recessive disease familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD) type 1. The characterization of these mutations has been hindered by difficulties in establishing a functional heterologous cell transfection system for MC2R. Recently, the melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein (MRAP) was identified as essential for the trafficking of MC2R to the cell surface; therefore, a functional characterization of MC2R mutations is now possible., Objective: Our objective was to elucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible for defective MC2R function in FGD., Methods: Stable cell lines expressing human MRAPalpha were established and transiently transfected with wild-type or mutant MC2R. Functional characterization of mutant MC2R was performed using a cell surface expression assay, a cAMP reporter assay, confocal microscopy, and coimmunoprecipitation of MRAPalpha., Results: Two thirds of all MC2R mutations had a significant reduction in cell surface trafficking, even though MRAPalpha interacted with all mutants. Analysis of those mutant receptors that reached the cell surface indicated that four of six failed to signal, after stimulation with ACTH., Conclusion: The majority of MC2R mutations found in FGD fail to function because they fail to traffic to the cell surface.

Neuroblastoma, an embryonal tumour of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system, accounts for approximately 15% of all deaths due to childhood cancer. High-risk neuroblastomas are rapidly progressive; even with intensive myeloablative chemotherapy, relapse is common and almost uniformly fatal. Here we report the detection of previously unknown mutations in the ALK gene, which encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase, in 8% of primary neuroblastomas. Five non-synonymous sequence variations were identified in the kinase domain of ALK, of which three were somatic and two were germ line. The most frequent mutation, F1174L, was also identified in three different neuroblastoma cell lines. ALK complementary DNAs encoding the F1174L and R1275Q variants, but not the wild-type ALK cDNA, transformed interleukin-3-dependent murine haematopoietic Ba/F3 cells to cytokine-independent growth. Ba/F3 cells expressing these mutations were sensitive to the small-molecule inhibitor of ALK, TAE684 (ref. 4). Furthermore, two human neuroblastoma cell lines harbouring the F1174L mutation were also sensitive to the inhibitor. Cytotoxicity was associated with increased amounts of apoptosis as measured by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL). Short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated knockdown of ALK expression in neuroblastoma cell lines with the F1174L mutation also resulted in apoptosis and impaired cell proliferation. Thus, activating alleles of the ALK receptor tyrosine kinase are present in primary neuroblastoma tumours and in established neuroblastoma cell lines, and confer sensitivity to ALK inhibition with small molecules, providing a molecular rationale for targeted therapy of this disease.

We report the design and highly enantioselective synthesis of a potent analogue of the spliceosome inhibitor FR901464, based on a non-natural product scaffold. The design of this compound was facilitated by a pharmacophore hypothesis that assumed key interaction types that are common to FR901464 and an otherwise unrelated natural product (pladienolide). The synthesis allows for the preparation of numerous novel analogues. We present results on the in vitro activity for this compound against several tumor cell lines.

The intracellular target of diphtheria toxin is a modified histidine residue, diphthamide, in the translation elongation factor, eEF2 (also known as EFT1). This enigmatic modification occurs in all eukaryotes and is produced in yeast by the action of five gene products, DPH1 to DPH5. Sequence homologues of these genes are present in all sequenced eukaryotic genomes and, in higher eukaryotes, there is functional evidence for DPH1, DPH2, DPH3 and DPH5 acting in diphthamide biosynthesis. We identified a mouse that was mutant for the remaining gene, Dph4. Cells derived from homozygous mutant embryos lacked the diphthamide modification of eEF2 and were resistant to killing by diphtheria toxin. Reporter-tagged DPH4 protein localized to the cytoskeleton, in contrast to the localization of DPH1 and consistent with evidence that DPH4 is not part of a proposed complex containing DPH1, DPH2 and DPH3. Mice that were homozygous for the mutation were retarded in growth and development, and almost always die before birth. Those that survive long enough had preaxial polydactyly, a duplication of digit 1 of the hind foot. This same defect has been seen in embryos that were homozygous for mutation of DPH1, suggesting that lack of diphthamide on eEF2 could result in translational failure of specific proteins, rather than a generalized translation downregulation.

The ACTH receptor [melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R)] gene produces a functional receptor only when transfected into cells of adrenocortical origin, implying that it may require an adrenal-specific accessory factor. Recently we showed that the MC2R accessory protein (MRAP) is essential for the cell surface expression of the MC2R in such models. Using RNA interference (RNAi) technology, we have further explored the action of MRAP in the functioning of the MC2R in Y1 mouse adrenocortical cells that endogenously express MRAP and MC2R. We created stable cell lines expressing mouse MRAP short hairpin RNA (shRNAs) by transfecting cells with an expression vector containing the MRAP small interfering RNA sequence. The knockdown of MRAP resulted in a reduction in MC2R signaling. The overexpression of a mouse MRAP-Flag construct did not restore the expression of MRAP due to its degradation by the mouse shRNAs. The introduction of human MRAP that is resistant to silencing by mouse MRAP shRNAs resulted in the rescue of the MC2R signaling. MRAP migrates on SDS-PAGE with markedly lower mobility than predicted for a 14.1-kDa protein. Coimmunoprecipitation and mass spectroscopy suggests that MRAP exists as a homodimer that is resistant to dissociation by sodium dodecyl sulfate and reducing agents.

With the expansion in the application of library methods in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology there is a growing need for improved technology for the design of novel templates that are well suited for the synthesis of libraries targeted toward specific subsets of protein families. In this report, we delineate an improved stepwise general method that is well suited for this purpose. This process uses virtual framework libraries to identify frameworks that rigidly match specific aspects of a ligand's bioactive conformation. The resulting frameworks can then be ranked and sequentially modified by a combination of computational scripts and human derived expertise, in order to develop rational proposals for new combinatorial templates or new sets of potential ligands.

M5 fiber is a high-strength, high-performance organic fiber type that is a rigid rod material and composed of heterocyclic polymer fibers of type PIPD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute lung toxicity of intratracheally instilled M5 respirable fibers and particulates in rats. Using a pulmonary bioassay and bridging methodology, the acute lung toxicity of intratracheally instilled M5 particulates and that of its fibers were compared with a positive control particle type, quartz, as well as a negative control particle type, carbonyl iron particles. Moreover, the results of these instillation studies were bridged with data previously generated from inhalation studies with quartz and carbonyl iron particles, using the quartz and iron particles as the inhalation/instillation bridge material. For the bioassay experimental design, in the bronchoalveolar lavage studies, the lungs of rats were intratracheally instilled with 0.5 or 0.75 mg/kg of M5 particulate or 1 or 5 mg/kg of the following control or particle types: (1) M5 long fiber preparation, (2) silica-quartz particles, and (3) carbonyl iron particles. Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-instilled rats served as additional controls. Following exposures, the lungs of PBS and particle-exposed rats were assessed using bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid biomarkers, cell proliferation methods, and histopathological evaluation of lung tissue at 24 h, 1 wk, 1 mo and 3 mo post instillation exposure. The bronchoalveolar lavage results demonstrated that lung exposures to quartz particles, at both concentrations but particularly at the higher dose, produced significant increases vs. controls in pulmonary inflammation and cytotoxicity indices. Exposures to M5 particulate and M5 long fiber preparation produced transient inflammatory and cell injury effects at 24 h postexposure (pe) as well as at 24 h and 1 wk pe, respectively, but these effects were not sustained when compared to quartz-silica effects. Exposures to carbonyl iron particles and PBS resulted in only minor short-term and reversible lung inflammation, likely related to the effects of the instillation procedure. Histopathological analyses of lung tissues revealed that pulmonary exposures to M5 particulate and in particular, the M5 long fiber preparation in rats produced some inflammatory responses, observed up to 1 wk postexposure. These responses were often associated with the presence of M5 long fiber in the airways or in the proximal alveolar regions but appeared to be reversible at 1 and 3 mo postexposure. In contrast, pulmonary exposures to silica-quartz particles in rats produced a dose-dependent lung inflammatory response characterized by neutrophils and foamy (lipid-containing) alveolar macrophage accumulation and evidence of early lung tissue thickening consistent with the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Based on our results, we conclude the following: (1) It was very difficult to produce M5 fibers into a respirable fibrous form; these findings suggest that aerosol exposure concentrations of respirable fibrous M5 in the workplace are likely to be rather low. (2) The particulate and long fiber preparations of M5 that were tested produced a moderate amount of pulmonary inflammatory activity, more active than our negative control, carbonyl iron particles, but substantially less active in terms of inflammation, cytotoxicity, and fibrogenic effects than the positive control particle type, silica-quartz particles. Thus, based on the results of this study, we would expect that inhaled M5 respirable fibers have a low risk potential for producing adverse pulmonary effects.

We report the further application of a novel approach to template and ligand design by the synthesis of agonists of the melanocortin receptor. This design method uses the conserved structural data from the three-dimensional conformations of beta-turn peptides to design rigid nonpeptide templates that mimic the orientation of the main chain C-alpha atoms in a peptide beta-turn. We report details on a new synthesis of derivatives of template 1 that are useful for the synthesis of exploratory libraries. The utility of this technique is further exemplified by several iterative rounds of high-throughput synthesis and screening, which result in new partially optimized nonpeptide agonists for several melanocortin receptors.

Kevlar and Nomex are high-performance polymers which have wide varieties of applications in daily life. Recently, they have been proposed to be biocidal materials when reacted with household bleach (sodium hypochlorite solution) because they contain amide moieties which can be chlorinated to generate biocidal N-halamine functional groups. Although Nomex can be chlorinated without any significant decomposition, Kevlar decomposes under the same chlorination conditions. In this study, two mimics for each of the polymers were synthesized to simulate the carboxylate and diaminophenylene components of the materials. It was found that the p-diaminophenylene component of the Kevlar mimic is oxidized to a quinone-type structure upon treatment with hypochlorous acid, which then decomposes. However, such a mechanism for the Nomex mimic is not possible. In this paper, based upon these observations, a plausible answer will be provided to the title question.

Surface properties are critical to assess effects of ultrafine-TiO(2) particles. The aim of this study was to assess lung toxicity in rats of newly developed, well characterized, ultrafine-TiO(2) particles and compare them to TiO(2) samples in two different size ranges and surface modifications. Groups of rats were intratracheally instilled with doses of 1 or 5mg/kg of either two ultrafine rutile TiO(2) particles (uf-1 or uf-2); rutile R-100 fine-TiO(2) (F-1); 80/20 anatase/rutile P25 ultrafine-TiO(2) (uf-3); or alpha-quartz particles. Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution instilled rats served as vehicle controls. Following exposures, the lungs of PBS and particle-exposed rats were evaluated for bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid inflammatory markers, cell proliferation, and by histopathology at post-instillation time points of 24h, 1 week, 1 and 3 months. The ranking of lung inflammation/cytotoxicity/cell proliferation and histopathological responses was quartz>uf-3>F-1=uf-1=uf-2. Exposures to quartz and to a lesser degree, uf-3 anatase/rutile TiO(2) particles produced pulmonary inflammation, cytotoxicity and adverse lung tissue effects. In contrast, exposures to F-1 fine-TiO(2) particles or to uf-1/uf-2 ultrafine-TiO(2) particle-types produced transient inflammation. We conclude that differences in responses to anatase/rutile uf-3 TiO(2) particles versus the rutile uf-1 and uf-2 TiO(2) particles could be related to crystal structure, inherent pH of the particles, or surface chemical reactivity. Thus, based on these results, inhaled rutile ultrafine-TiO(2) particles are expected to have a low risk potential for producing adverse pulmonary health effects. Finally, the results demonstrate that exposures to ultrafine-TiO(2) particle-types can produce differential pulmonary effects, based upon their composition, and crystal structure. Thus, the lung toxicity of anatase/rutile uf-3 should not be viewed as representative for all ultrafine-TiO(2) particle-types.

Pulmonary toxicology studies in rats demonstrate that nanoparticles are more toxic than fine-sized particles of similar chemistry. This study, however, provides evidence to contradict this theory. The aims of the study were (1) to compare the toxicity of synthetic 50 nm nanoquartz I particles versus (mined) Min-U-Sil quartz ( approximately 500 nm); the toxicity of synthetic 12 nm nanoquartz II particles versus (mined) Min-U-Sil ( approximately 500 nm) versus (synthetic) fine-quartz particles (300 nm); and (2) to evaluate the surface activities among the samples as they relate to toxicity. Well-characterized samples were tested for surface activity and hemolytic potential. In addition, groups of rats were instilled with either doses of 1 or 5 mg/kg of carbonyl iron (CI) or various alpha-quartz particle types in phosphate-buffered saline solution and subsequently assessed using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid biomarkers, cell proliferation, and histopathological evaluation of lung tissue at 24 h, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postexposure. Exposures to the various alpha-quartz particles produced differential degrees of pulmonary inflammation and cytotoxicity, which were not always consistent with particle size but correlated with surface activity, particularly hemolytic potential. Lung tissue evaluations of three of the quartz samples demonstrated "typical" quartz-related effects--dose-dependent lung inflammatory macrophage accumulation responses concomitant with early development of pulmonary fibrosis. The various alpha-quartz-related effects were similar qualitatively but with different potencies. The range of particle-related toxicities and histopathological effects in descending order were nanoscale quartz II = Min-U-Sil quartz > fine quartz > nanoscale quartz I > CI particles. The results demonstrate that the pulmonary toxicities of alpha-quartz particles appear to correlate better with surface activity than particle size and surface area.

The optimization of screening hits on a promising new target for therapy of certain cancers involving anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inspired the development of this efficient solid-phase chemistry. A series of novel pyridones have been recently discovered as inhibitors of ALK, which led to the design of focused libraries around the pyridone scaffold. A stepwise process involving iterative template modification based on both medicinal chemistry insights and computational ranking of virtual libraries was employed in the design. The unique solid-phase chemistry has addressed the need for rapid optimization of this "early lead" series. Herein the methodology and scope of the chemistry, as well as its application for library synthesis, are discussed.

Pulmonary toxicology studies in rats demonstrate that nanoparticles administered to the lung are more toxic than larger, fine-sized particles of similar chemistry at identical mass concentrations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute lung toxicity in rats of intratracheally instilled pigment-grade TiO2 particles (rutile-type particle size = approximately 300 nm) versus nanoscale TiO2 rods (anatase = 200 nm x 35 nm) or nanoscale TiO2 dots (anatase = approximately 10 nm) compared with a positive control particle type, quartz. Groups of rats were instilled with doses of 1 or 5 mg/kg of the various particle types in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Subsequently, the lungs of PBS- and particle-exposed rats were assessed using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid biomarkers, cell proliferation methods, and by the histopathological evaluation of lung tissue at 24 h, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postinstillation exposure. Exposures to nanoscale TiO2 rods or nanoscale TiO2 dots produced transient inflammatory and cell injury effects at 24 h postexposure (pe) and were not different from the pulmonary effects of larger sized TiO2 particle exposures. In contrast, pulmonary exposures to quartz particles in rats produced a dose-dependent lung inflammatory response characterized by neutrophils and foamy lipid-containing alveolar macrophage accumulation as well as evidence of early lung tissue thickening consistent with the development of pulmonary fibrosis. The results described herein provide the first example of nanoscale particle types which are not more cytotoxic or inflammogenic to the lung compared to larger sized particles of similar composition. Furthermore, these findings run counter to the postulation that surface area is a major factor associated with the pulmonary toxicity of nanoscale particle types.

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a promising new target for therapy of certain cancers such as anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) and inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT). We have identified a series of novel pyridones as kinase inhibitors of ALK by application of a stepwise process involving in vitro screening of a novel targeted library followed by iterative template modification based on medicinal chemistry insights and computational ranking of virtual libraries. Using this process, we discovered ALK-selective inhibitors with improved potency and selectivity. Herein the details of the design process and synthesis of these novel pyridones, along with their enzymatic and cell-based activity, are discussed.

Using both in vivo (inhalation) and in vitro (cell culture) studies, we previously reported that p-aramid respirable fibers (RFP--defined as respirable-sized fiber-shaped particulates) are biodegraded in lungs and lung cells of rats following exposures. The current studies were undertaken to determine whether shortening mechanisms of p-aramid RFP biodegradability are also operative in human lung cells. Cultures of human A549 lung epithelial cells (A549), primary alveolar macrophages (HBAL) (collected via bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL]) from volunteers), and co-cultures (Co) of the A549 and HBAL were incubated with p-aramid RFP for either 1 h, 1 day, or 1 week to assess RFP shortening. Lengths of RFP were measured using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) following fixation, digestion of culture tissue components, and processing. Similar to findings using rat lung cells, only slight RFP shortening was measured in A549 cultures at 1-day and 1-week post-incubation. More importantly, in HBAL and Co groups, greater transverse cleavage of p-aramid RFP was measured at 1-day and 1-week postexposure compared to 1-h HBAL or Co groups, or in any A549 groups. In contrast, cellulose RFP, a biopersistent reference control fiber, were not measurably shortened under similar circumstances. Second, p-aramid RFP were incubated either with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), or acellular BAL fluids from human volunteers or rats and processed for SEM analysis of RFP lengths. Mean lengths of p-aramid RFP incubated with human or rat BAL fluids were substantially decreased compared to PBS. Similar to our findings with rat lung cells, components of human lung fluids coat the p-aramid RFP as a prerequisite for subsequent enzymatic cleavage by human phagocytic lung cells and this finding reinforces the concept that inhaled p-aramid RFP are likely to be biodegradable in the lungs of humans.

Most pigment-grade titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) samples that have been tested in pulmonary toxicity tests have been of a generic variety-i.e., generally either uncoated particles or TiO(2) particles containing slightly hydrophilic surface treatments/coatings (i.e., base TiO(2)). The objectives of these studies were to assess in rats, the pulmonary toxicity of inhaled or intratracheally instilled TiO(2) particle formulations with various surface treatments, ranging from 0-6% alumina (Al(2)O(3)) or alumina and 0-11% amorphous silica (SiO(2)). The pulmonary effects induced by TiO(2) particles with different surface treatments were compared to reference base TiO(2) particles and controls. In the first study, groups of rats were exposed to high exposure (dose) concentrations of TiO(2) particle formulations for 4 weeks at aerosol concentrations ranging from 1130-1300 mg/m(3) and lung tissues were evaluated by histopathology immediately after exposure, as well as at 2 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months postexposure. In the second study, groups of rats were intratracheally instilled with nearly identical TiO(2) particle formulations (when compared to the inhalation study) at doses of 2 and 10 mg/kg. Subsequently, the lungs of saline-instilled and TiO(2)-exposed rats were assessed using both bronchoalveolar (BAL) biomarkers and by histopathology/cell proliferation assessment of lung tissues at 24 h, 1 week, 1 and 3 months postexposure. The results from these studies demonstrated that for both inhalation and instillation, only the TiO(2) particle formulations with the largest components of both alumina and amorphous silica surface treatments produced mildly adverse pulmonary effects when compared to the base reference control particles. In summary, two major conclusions can be drawn from these studies: (1) surface treatments can influence the toxicity of TiO(2) particles in the lung; and (2) the intratracheal instillation-derived, pulmonary bioassay studies represent an effective preliminary screening tool for inhalation studies with the identical particle-types used in this study.

Renal cell carcinomas (RCC) commonly retain wild-type but functionally inactive p53, which is repressed by an unknown dominant mechanism. To help reveal this mechanism, we screened a diverse chemical library for small molecules capable of restoring p53-dependent transactivation in RCC cells carrying a p53-responsive reporter. Among the compounds isolated were derivatives of 9-aminoacridine (9AA), including the antimalaria drug quinacrine, which strongly induced p53 function in RCC and other types of cancer cells. Induction of p53 by these compounds does not involve genotoxic stress and is mediated by suppression of NF-kappaB activity. In contrast to agents that target IkappaB kinase 2, 9AA and quinacrine can effectively suppress both basal and inducible activities of NF-kappaB, representing inhibitors of a previously undescribed type that convert NF-kappaB from a transactivator into a transrepressor, leading to accumulation of inactive nuclear complexes with unphosphorylated Ser-536 in the p65/RelA subunit. p53 function in RCC can be restored by ectopic expression of a superrepressor of IkappaB as effectively as by 9AA-derived compounds. These findings suggest that the complete or partial repression of p53 observed in many tumors can be the result of constitutive activation of NF-kappaB. The results demonstrate, in principle, the possibility to kill cancer cells selectively through simultaneous inhibition of NF-kappaB and activation of p53 by a single small molecule and suggest anticancer applications for the well known antimalaria drug quinacrine.

Synthetic compound libraries have been available for over a century, but in the last 15 years they have become increasing important in early-stage drug discovery projects. The qualities that these libraries possess impart a dramatic effect on hit discovery, on the subsequent steps of hit-to-lead progression, and on lead optimization by medicinal chemists. More recently, synthetic libraries have found an important application in chemical genetics. Concurrently, ideas have evolved regarding the application of the different types of synthetic approaches that are variously described as combinatorial chemistry, high-throughput synthesis, or diversity-oriented synthesis. This review will discuss current directions of synthetic chemistry, natural product chemistry and chemoinformatics, which relate to the various types of compound libraries that are in use in drug discovery and chemical genetics.

The synthesis of tris(2,6-dihydroxyphenyl)amine diborate, 4, is reported. This compound contains a linear B...N...B array for which a symmetrical three-center two-electron (3c-2e) bond is possible. The X-ray crystal structure of 4 shows that 3c-2e bonding is, in fact, absent. Rather, the B-N-B array of 4 is unsymmetrical, having a 2c-2e B-N dative bond with the remaining boron pyramidalized outward and bonded to the oxygen of THF, i.e., 4 x THF. In THF solution, 4 displays temperature-dependent 13C NMR spectra from which a DeltaG++ of 11.6 kcal/mol at 262 K may be calculated. The dynamic process observed in solution corresponds to a bond-switching equilibrium in which the B-N bond oscillates between the two borons ("bell clapper"). Ab initio calculations indicate that the most likely pathway for the bond switch does not involve a 3c-2e B...N...B bond, but rather occurs by nucleophilic attack of THF on the datively bonded boron to generate 4 x (THF)2, lacking any B-N interactions, followed by loss of one THF. The B-N-B system of 4 sans the perturbing effect of solvent was also investigated computationally. The form of 4 containing a 3c-2e bond is found to be a transition state in the solvent-free bond-switch reaction of 4, lying 2.66 kcal/mol above 4. The stability of three-center bonds to in-line distortion (viz., X...Y...X --> X-Y.........X) is discussed from the point of view of the second-order Jahn-Teller effect., (Copyright 2004 American Chemical Society)

We have previously shown that 3-phenylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines exemplified by 8 were potent antagonists of the human corticotropin-releasing factor-1 receptor. A series of 3-pyridylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines 15, 25-30, 34, and 35 containing a weakly basic pyridine ring at the 3-position of the bicyclic nucleus was designed to reduce lipophilicity from the initial leads such as 7. Here, we showed that these 3-pyridyl compounds exhibited potent antagonists at the human CRF(1) receptor. Moreover, the hydrophilic and weakly basic pyridine moiety increased the water solubility of some analogues. Compound 26 h exhibited good binding affinity at the human CRF(1) receptor with a K(i) value of 3.5 nM. As a functional antagonist, it dose-dependently inhibited CRF-stimulated cAMP production in cells expressing the CRF(1) receptor (IC(50) = 50 nM), and CRF-stimulated ACTH release from cultured rat pituitary cells (IC(50) = 20 nM). 26 h had a log P value of 4.9 and water solubility of greater than 10 mg/mL. Pharmacokinetic studies in rats showed that 26 h was orally bioavailable and able to penetrate into the brain. 26 h has been demonstrated in vivo efficacy in animal behavioral models that measure anxiolytic activity. These results suggest that analogues from this series were potent CRF(1) receptor antagonists with proper physicochemical properties and good pharmacokinetic profiles. 26 h was developed into a clinical compound and exhibited efficacy in patients with major depression.

We describe a novel asymmetric approach using Staudinger chemistry to proline-derived spiro-beta-lactams. A chiral group at C-4 of the acid chloride of proline directs the stereoselectivity of Staudinger chemistry and later is sacrificed to obtain optically active 5.4-spiro-beta-lactams. The scope, limitations, and mechanistic rationale for the observed results of Staudinger Chemistry of the acid chloride of 4-alkyl(aryl)sulfonyloxy-l-proline with imines are also discussed., (Copyright 2004 American Chemical Society)

A series of benzoylpyrimidines derived from the anilinepyrimidine CRF(1) antagonists were synthesized. Several synthetic routes were developed to explore the SAR of this series of compounds. Compounds such as 8d (K(i) = 15 nM) exhibited high binding affinities at the human CRF(1) receptor.

The beta-turn has been implicated as an important conformation for biological recognition of peptides or proteins. We adapted the concept of general Calpha atom positioning from the cluster analysis and recombination of each ideal beta-turn conformation pattern by Garland and Dean (J. Comput.-Aided Mol. Des. 1999, 13, 469) as one strategy of designing non-peptide beta-turn scaffolds. Herein, the Calpha positions of tetrahydro-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one scaffold were analyzed after the calculation of the low-energy conformer using a semiempirical protocol. Three points of corresponding Calpha carbons for diverse substitutions in the scaffold were designated, and an efficient solid-phase synthesis of the peptidomimetic library was developed. The scaffold itself was synthesized in solution phase starting from 5-hydroxy-2-nitrobenzaldehyde and loaded to the 4-formyl-3,5-dimethoxyphenoxy (PL-FDMP) resin with high efficiency of reductive amination. Various building blocks for the derivatization of the 7-hydroxyl and N-1 amide nitrogen could be introduced via selective alkylation. Cleavage, parallel column chromatography, and NMR analysis of 62 final compounds confirmed the feasibility of this peptidomimetic library synthesis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute lung toxicity of intratracheally instilled single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) in rats. The lungs of rats were instilled either with 1 or 5 mg/kg of the following control or particle types: (1) SWCNT, (2) quartz particles (positive control), (3) carbonyl iron particles (negative control), (4) phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) + 1% Tween 80, or (5) graphite particles (lung tissue studies only). Following exposures, the lungs of PBS and particle-exposed rats were assessed using bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid biomarkers and cell proliferation methods, and by histopathological evaluation of lung tissue at 24 h, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postinstillation. Exposures to high-dose (5 mg/kg) SWCNT produced mortality in ~15% of the SWCNT-instilled rats within 24 h postinstillation. This mortality resulted from mechanical blockage of the upper airways by the instillate and was not due to inherent pulmonary toxicity of the instilled SWCNT particulate. Exposures to quartz particles produced significant increases versus controls in pulmonary inflammation, cytotoxicity, and lung cell parenchymal cell proliferation indices. Exposures to SWCNT produced transient inflammatory and cell injury effects. Results from the lung histopathology component of the study indicated that pulmonary exposures to quartz particles (5 mg/kg) produced dose-dependent inflammatory responses, concomitant with foamy alveolar macrophage accumulation and lung tissue thickening at the sites of normal particle deposition. Pulmonary exposures to carbonyl iron or graphite particles produced no significant adverse effects. Pulmonary exposures to SWCNT in rats produced a non-dose-dependent series of multifocal granulomas, which were evidence of a foreign tissue body reaction and were nonuniform in distribution and not progressive beyond 1 month postexposure (pe). The observation of SWCNT-induced multifocal granulomas is inconsistent with the following: (1) lack of lung toxicity by assessing lavage parameters, (2) lack of lung toxicity by measuring cell proliferation parameters, (3) an apparent lack of a dose response relationship, (4) nonuniform distribution of lesions, (5) the paradigm of dust-related lung toxicity effects, (6) possible regression of effects over time. In addition, the results of two recent exposure assessment studies indicate very low aerosol SWCNT exposures at the workplace. Thus, the physiological relevance of these findings should ultimately be determined by conducting an inhalation toxicity study.

The aim of this study was to assess and compare the acute lung toxicities of intratracheally instilled hydrophobic relative to hydrophilic surface-coated titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) particles using a pulmonary bridging methodology. In addition, the results of these instillation studies were bridged with data previously generated from inhalation studies with hydrophilic, pigment-grade (base) TiO(2) particles, using the base, pigment-grade TiO(2) particles as the inhalation/instillation bridge material. To conduct toxicity comparisons, the surface coatings of base pigment-grade TiO(2) particles were made hydrophobic by application of triethoxyoctylsilane (OTES), a commercial product used in plastics applications. For the bioassay experimental design, rats were intratracheally instilled with 2 or 10 mg/kg of the following TiO(2) particle-types: (1) base (hydrophilic) TiO(2) particles; (2) TiO(2) with OTES surface coating; (3) base TiO(2) with Tween 80; or (4) OTES TiO(2) with Tween 80. Saline instilled rats served as controls. Following exposures, the lungs of sham- and TiO(2)-exposed rats were assessed both using bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) biomarkers and by histopathology of lung tissue at 24 hours, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post exposure. The results demonstrated that only the base, high-dose (10 mg/kg) pigment-grade TiO(2) particles and those with particle-types containing Tween 80 produced a transient pulmonary inflammatory response, and this was reversible within 1 week postexposure. The authors conclude that the OTES hydrophobic coating on the pigment-grade TiO(2) particle does not cause significant pulmonary toxicity.

Nonpeptide compounds that mimic bioactive peptides are desirable for a number of clinical indications. We report a new practical method for the design of scaffolds exhibiting drug-like properties that are suitable for the display of peptide pharmacophores. The synthesis of various synthons of 7'-hydroxy-2',3'-dihydro-1'H,2H,5H-spiro[imidazolidine-4,4'-quinoline]-2,5-dione (1) and methods for the introduction of several mimics of amino acid side-chains are described. This method is exemplified by derivatives that show agonist activity for the somatostatin type 2 receptor.

This inhalation toxicity study in rats was conducted to assess the hazard potential for workers inhaling Nylon respirable fibers. Groups of 48 male rats each were exposed, nose-only, 6h per day, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks to aerosols of uncoated, finish-free Nylon respirable-sized, fiber-shaped particulates (RFP) at concentrations of 0, 4, 15 and 57 fibers (f)/cm3. Nylon RFPs were prepared using flock rotary cutters followed by vigorous opening procedures. After exposures, the lungs of sham and Nylon-exposed rats were assessed at 1 and 8 days, and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postexposure. The results showed that the retained mean lung burdens at 1 day postexposure were 1.75E+07 RFP/lung (high level). Mean lengths and diameters of the Nylon aerosol were 9.8 and 1.6 microm, respectively. Lung clearance of Nylon RFPs was rapid over the 12-month period. There were no significant increases in lung weights, indications of pulmonary inflammation, or alveolar macrophage functional deficits in Nylon-exposed animals versus controls based on cell differentials, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid analyses, and macrophage phagocytosis or chemotaxis activity. Histopathology revealed no adverse lower pulmonary or upper respiratory effects. In summary, the no-observed-effect level (NOEL) for inhaled Nylon RFP was 57f/cm3 (20mg/m3), the highest concentration tested.

A series of 4-substituted 8-aryl-2-methylquinolines 4 was designed and synthesized as highly potent antagonists for the human CRF(1) receptor. This series of compounds displayed parallel SAR to other bicyclic systems such as pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines, with several compounds possessing low nanomolar binding affinity. In addition to the high potency, the basicity of this 4-aminoquinoline core may offer CRF(1) antagonists with lower lipophilicity.

Following inflammatory-cell recruitment in the lung, neutrophil apoptosis and subsequent engulfment by macrophages are regarded as important components in the resolution of pulmonary inflammation. The goal of this study was to further investigate the role of apoptosis and its influence, if any, on the pulmonary inflammatory process following exposures to the following particulate types: amorphous (AMO) or crystalline silica (Si), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or pigment-grade titanium dioxide (TiO2). Rats were intratracheally instilled either with TiO2, AMO, or Si particles at doses of 1 or 5 mg/kg or 6 microg LPS. Following exposures, bronchoalveolar lavage fluids and lung tissues were collected and evaluated at 12, 24, 48, or 168 h (i.e., 1 wk). At the 1 mg/kg dose, AMO instillation produced the highest pulmonary inflammatory response, concomitant with a rise in apoptotic cells that mirrored temporally the transient nature of the inflammatory response. At 5 mg/kg, amorphous silica and crystalline silica particles induced substantial pulmonary inflammation [approximately 50-60% neutrophils (PMNs)] at 12 h postexposure (pe). A fundamental difference between the two inflammatory patterns, however, was the subsequent reversibility of inflammation in the AMO-exposed rats at 168 h postexposure and the sustained inflammatory effect in the Si-exposed animals measured through 168 h pe (approximately 40% PMNs). Pulmonary apoptotic responses in AMO-exposed rats mirrored temporally and correlated with the time-course reduction of inflammatory responses, leading to resolution. In the Si-exposed rats, apoptotic levels remained elevated, concomitant with sustained inflammation measured through 168 h pe. High doses of TiO2 particles produced transient lung inflammation, but with low levels of apoptosis. In addition, instillation of LPS produced a transient inflammatory response which mirrored the time course of apoptosis levels and was resolved by 168 h pe. cDNA microarray methods demonstrated that gene expression was altered for several apoptosis-related genes in AMO-, Si-, and LPS-exposed animals at 24 h pe. The results of these studies demonstrate that, following exposures, the resolution of lung inflammation correlated temporally with apoptotic levels of neutrophils in AMO- and LPS-exposed rats. Alternatively, instillation of crystalline silica resulted in sustained pulmonary inflammation and measurable apoptosis at 1 wk postexposure, but the apoptotic cell processes were not effective in resolving the inflammatory response. The findings suggest that the coordination between the resolution of inflammation and inflammatory cell apoptosis in the lung is dependent on the particle-type and that other factors, such as particle cytotoxicity, may also be important.

A series of 1,6-heptadienes, substituted in the 4 position with nucleic acid bases 1-6, have been synthesized via Mitsunobu condensations. Guanine, adenine, thymine, and uracil derivatives can be prepared directly by coupling the protected base with 1,6-heptadien-4-ol (7). However, coupling protected cytosine and 7 gives an O-alkylated product. Thus, the cytosine derivative must be prepared from the uracil-substituted heptadienes via the triazole. The free-radical addition of CCl(4) and BrCCl(3) to these adducts was investigated. In all cases, both 1:1 and 1:2 adducts were obtained. The 1:1 adduct was identified as the cyclized product of the initially formed 5-hexen-1-yl radical. The cyclization takes place in a stereospecific manner, with only one of the four possible diastereomers resulting. NMR studies indicate that all substituents are cis in this product. In the case of the addition of CCl(4) to the uracil-substituted heptadiene, this conclusion was confirmed by an X-ray structure determination of the isolated cyclized product. The free-radical-initiated cyclocopolymerizations of 1-6 with SO(2) gave 1:1 copolymers with cis-linked five-membered rings. Two-dimensional NMR studies on poly(2-SO(2)) showed predominately the cis-syn isomer while poly(6-SO(2)) has an approximately equal amount of cis-syn and cis-anti isomers.

We have recently reported the discovery of numerous new compounds that are selective inhibitors of all of the subtypes of the adenosine receptor family via a pharmacophore database searching and screening strategy. During the course of this work we made the unexpected discovery of a potent A(2B) receptor antagonist, 4-methyl-7-methoxyquinazolyl-2-(2'-amino-4'-imidazolinone) (38, CMB 6446), which showed selectivity for this receptor and functioned as an antagonist, with a binding K(i) value of 112 nM. We explored the effects of both substituent- and ring-structural variations on the receptor affinity in this series of derivatives, which were found to be mostly non-selective adenosine receptor ligands with K(i) values in the micromolar range. Since no enhancement of A(2B) receptor affinity of 38 was achieved, the previously reported pharmacophore-based searching strategy yielded the most potent and selective structurally-related hit in the database originally searched.

The coordination chemistry of silver(I) with the nitrogen-bridged ligands (C(6)H(5))(2)PN(R)P(C(6)H(5))(2) [R = H (dppa); R = CH(3) (dppma)] has been investigated by (31)P NMR and electrospray mass spectrometry (ESMS). Species observed by (31)P NMR include Ag(2)(mu-dppa)(2+), Ag(2)(mu-dppa)(2)(2+), Ag(2)(mu-dppa)(3)(2+), Ag(2)(mu-dppma)(2+), Ag(2)(mu-dppma)(2)(2+), and Ag(eta(2)-dppma)(2)(+). Species observed by ESMS at low cone voltages were Ag(2)(dppa)(2)(2+), Ag(2)(dppa)(3)(2+), Ag(2)(dppma)(2)(2+), and Ag(dppma)(2)(+). (C(6)H(5))(2)PN(CH(3))P(C(6)H(5))(2) showed a strong tendency to chelate, while (C(6)H(5))(2)PN(H)P(C(6)H(5))(2) preferred to bridge. Differences in the bridging versus chelating behavior of the ligands are assigned to the Thorpe-Ingold effect, where the methyl group on nitrogen sterically interacts with the phenyl groups on phosphorus. The crystal structure of the three-coordinate dinuclear silver(I) complex (Ag(2)[(C(6)H(5))(2)PN(H)P(C(6)H(5))(2)](3))(BF(4))(2) has been determined. Bond distances include Ag-Ag = 2.812(1) A, Ag(1)-P(av) = 2.492(3) A, and Ag(2)-P(av) = 2.509(3) A. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group Cc at 294 K, with a = 18.102(4)(o), Z = 4, V = 7261(3) A(3), R = 0.0503, and R(W) = 0.0670.

These studies elucidated mechanisms of inhaled p-aramid respirable fiber-shaped particulates (RFP) biodegradation in the lungs of exposed rats and hamsters. We postulate that lung fluids coat/activate inhaled p-aramid RFP which deposits in the lung and promote enzymatic attack and consequent shortening. p-Aramid or cellulose (biopersistent control) RFP were instilled into the lungs of rats and the lungs digested 24 h later using two different (KOH or enzymatic) digestion techniques. In vivo, the enzyme but not the KOH solution produced shortening of p-aramid but not cellulose RFP recovered from the lungs. For in vitro studies, the two RFP-types were incubated with BAL fluids and underwent simulated digestions; also rat lung epithelial cells, macrophages or co-cultures were incubated with p-aramid and digested at 1, 24, or 168 h postexposure. The results of in vitro acellular studies demonstrated that only p-aramid RFP incubated in BAL fluids and digested by the enzyme method were shortened. In vitro cellular studies demonstrated a shortening of p-aramid RFP in macrophages and co-cultures but not in lung epithelial cells at 24 h and 1 week postexposure. These results demonstrate that lung fluids coat and catalyze the p-aramid RFP as a prelude for shortening and describe a likely mechanism for the biodegradability of inhaled p-aramid RFP in the lungs of exposed animals.

Biopersistence represents an important health-related issue in fiber toxicology. These studies were undertaken to elucidate the mechanism(s) through which inhaled p-aramid respirable-sized fiber-shaped particulates (RFP) are biodegraded in the lungs of exposed rats and hamsters. Previously, we and others have reported that, following deposition in the lung, long p-aramid RFPs are cleaved into shorter fibrous fragments. To investigate the mechanisms of RFP biodegradation, we have postulated that lung fluids coat/activate p-aramid RFP following deposition in the alveolar regions of the lung, thus predisposing the RFP to enzymatic attack and consequent shortening. This process enhances the rate of clearance of the inhaled RFP. To test this hypothesis, we have conducted both in vivo and in vitro cellular and noncellular investigations. First, p-aramid or cellulose RFP were instilled into the lungs of rats and the lungs were digested 24 h postexposure using two different digestion techniques: (1) a conventional ethanolic KOH method and (2) an enzymatic method that simulates the action of lung enzymes. Cellulose RFP were utilized as a control organic fiber-type that is known to be biopersistent. The results demonstrated that the enzymatic but not the KOH method resulted in transverse cleavage of the p-aramid RFP; the lengths of cellulose RFP recovered from rat lungs were not reduced by either method. Next, standardized preparations of p-aramid RFP or cellulose RFP were incubated with saline or lung fluids and then processed by one of two tissue digestion techniques. Mean lengths of p-aramid RFP incubated with saline and processed with KOH or the enzyme method were not found to be altered. Indeed, only the preparation of p-aramid RFP that had been incubated with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids and processed with the enzyme solution resulted in cleavage of p-aramid RFP. Moreover, when the BAL fluids were autoclaved to denature proteins, the length dimensions of p-aramid RFP were intermediate between saline controls and RFP incubated with normal BAL fluids and processed via the enzymatic technique. In contrast to the in vitro noncellular studies with p-aramid RFP, the combination of BAL fluid incubation and enzyme digestion method had no measurable effect on shortening of cellulose RFP, indicating that the results with p-aramid were specific to that fiber-type. In a final set of in vitro cellular studies, cultures of rat lung epithelial cells, alveolar macrophages, or co-cultures of epithelial cells and macrophages were treated with p-aramid RFP for 1 h, 1 day, or 1 week to determine whether RFP shortening occurs directly in the phagocytic cells. The lengths of fibrils were measured using scanning electron microscopy techniques. The results demonstrated that (1) no shortening occurred in the epithelial cell cultures at any time point; however, (2) in the macrophage and cocultures, cleavage of p-aramid RFP was observed at 1 day and 1 week postexposure. Our data suggest that components of lung fluids coat and catalyze the p-aramid RFP as a prerequisite for enzymatic cleavage. This process could play a significant role in facilitating the transverse cleavage or shortening of inhaled p-aramid RFP in the lungs of exposed rats and hamsters., (Copyright 2001 Academic Press.)

Man-made organic fibers (MMOFs) have been manufactured for over 50 years. Until recently, there have been few concerns raised regarding the safety of organic fiber dusts. This is due, in large part, to the perception that the dimensions of most, if not all, of these products were too large to be inhaled into the distal lungs of workers, i.e., were considered to be nonrespirable. A brief review of some of the issues related to organic fiber toxicology is presented herein. Some of the organic fiber-types used in commerce are identified and some fundamental tenets of fiber toxicology are discussed. In addition, the European Union, in their recent consideration for banning chrysotile asbestos fibers, evaluated some organic fiber substitutes and compared them to the hazards of asbestos. A brief review of their conclusions is described below. Finally, the results of some recent studies assessing the mechanisms of biodegradability of para-aramid respirable-sized, fiber-shaped particulates (RFP) are presented. Para-aramid (p-aramid) RFP are the most extensively-studied respirable organic fiber-type and RFP is the new term which describes respirable-sized organic fibers (ECETOC, 1996) (1). The results of these studies provide clues regarding the mechanism(s) of p-aramid RFP shortening in the lungs of exposed animals, and may be relevant for humans.

Objectives: Biopersistence, or alternatively, biodegradability (i.e., low biopersistence) represents an important concept in fibre toxicology. The studies described below were undertaken to investigate the mechanisms through which inhaled para-aramid (p-aramid) respirable, fibre-shaped particulates (RFP) are biodegraded in the lungs of exposed rats and hamsters; in contrast, cellulose fibres, another organic fibre-type, are known to be biopersistent. To investigate the mechanisms of RFP biodegradation, we have hypothesized that lung fluids activate p-aramid RFP following deposition, and the RFP are then vulnerable to enzymatic attack in the lungs., Methods: To test the hypothesis, p-aramid RFP or cellulose RFP were instilled into the lungs of rats and the lungs digested 24 h post-exposure using two different digestion techniques: (1) a conventional ethanolic KOH method, and (2) an enzymatic method which simulates lung enzymes., Results: The enzymatic but not the KOH method artificially cleaved the p-aramid RFP recovered from rat lungs. Next, p-aramid RFP or cellulose RFP were incubated with saline or lung fluids and then processed by one of the two digestion techniques. Mean lengths of p-aramid RFP processed with KOH and evaluated by SEM were 13.4 microm; in contrast, mean lengths of p-aramid RFP samples, incubated in lung fluids and treated with the enzymatic method were 8.8 microm. The enzymatic digestion method had no discernible effect on shortening of cellulose RFP, indicating that the results with p-aramid were specific., Conclusions: Our data indicate that components of lung fluids coat and catalyze the p-aramid, thereby predisposing the RFP to enzymatic cleavage. This could play a significant mechanistic role in facilitating the transverse cleavage or shortening of inhaled p-aramid RFP in the lungs of exposed rats and hamsters.

Pharmacophore queries from previously known potent selective A3 antagonists were generated by Chem-X. These queries were used to search a pharmacophore database of diverse compounds (CNS-Set). In vitro assays of 186 'hits' yielded over 30 active compounds, for four adenosine receptor subtypes. This search strategy may also be applicable to the discovery of new ligands via receptor homology data.

Allergic asthma is a pulmonary disease characterized by antigen-induced pulmonary eosinophilia, airway hyperresponsiveness, antigen-specific IgE antibody responses, and broncho-constriction. In attempting to elucidate mechanisms associated with the pathogenesis of this disease, a number of animal models have been developed. The current studies were undertaken to develop a model of allergic asthma model in Brown Norway rats. Unlike the neutrophilic inflammatory response to inhaled particles in most strains of rats, inhalation of antigens in sensitized Brown Norway rats results in a complex cellular response which is characterized by a variety of inflammatory cell types, and is dependent on the time course of inflammatory cell recruitment. In characterizing this ovalbumin-challenge model of allergic asthma, it was important to assess the time course of pulmonary inflammation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Male Brown Norway rats were sensitized and boosted with intraperitoneal injections of ovalbumin in aluminum hydroxide on experimental days 1 and 8. On days 15-17, rats were challenged by an inhalation exposure to 5% ovalbumin and were evaluated by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) at 24 or 48 h postexposure (PE). Control rats were similarly treated to ovalbumin aerosol exposures; however, these animals had been sensitized and boosted with aluminum hydroxide (minus the ovalbumin). Cell differential evaluations demonstrated that the rats exposed for 3 days/24 h postexposure and for 2 days/ 48 h postexposure produced the greatest numbers of BAL eosinophils and corresponding indicators of pulmonary toxicity. It was interesting to note that earlier exposure time periods (i.e., 1 day/24 h PE) generated a predominantly neutrophilic inflammatory response, while longer exposure/postexposure time periods (i.e., 3 days/48 h) produced a predominant mononuclear inflammatory response. Subsequent studies demonstrated that the 2-day/ 48-h protocol produced the optimum eosinophilic, cytotoxic, cell proliferative, and apoptotic response. Histopathological evaluations demonstrated a chronically active alveolitis and bronchiolitis, characterized by epithelial cell proliferation in the airways and inflammatory cell proliferation in the alveoli. Studies are ongoing to assess the cell types undergoing apoptosis in both the airway and parenchymal regions to fully characterize this model in order to assess its relevance and utility for studying asthma in humans.

The rates of hydrolysis of benzoannelated vs nonbenzoannelated sulfuranes, viz. 5 vs 3 or 5 vs 4, were compared. Benzoannelation was found to provide very modest kinetic stabilization. Crystal structures of sulfuranes 3 and 4 were obtained and compared with each other, with a dibenzoannelated sulfurane, 17, and with a non-sulfurane analogue of 4. Bond length variations could be understood in the context of simple resonance arguments. (17)O NMR studies of 3-5 showed that this technique was indeed sensitive to sulfurane structure. For example, the chemical shifts of the two carbonyl oxygens of 4 differed by over 20 ppm. Other hypervalent systems, mainly iodinanes, were studied by (17)O NMR. A variety of theoretical methods were surveyed to test how well they could reproduce the geometry of 3. Density functional theory calculation outperformed ab initio geometry optimization at the MP2/3-21G() level. Finally, a cis-trans isomerization of the double bond of 11 and one of the two double bonds of 10 was studied.