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This paper describes the enzymatic synthesis of the C-terminal fragment H-Gly-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2 of cholecystokinin. Immobilized enzymes were used for the formation of all peptide bonds except thermolysin. Beginning the synthesis with phenylacetyl (PhAc) glycine carboxamidomethyl ester (OCam) and H-Trp-OMe by using immobilized papain as biocatalyst in buffered ethyl acetate, the dipeptide methyl ester was then coupled directly with Met-OEt.HCl by alpha-chymotrypsin/Celite 545 in a solvent free system. For the 3+2 coupling PhAc-Gly-Trp-Met-OEt had to be converted into its OCam ester. The other fragment H-Asp(OMe)-Phe-NH2 resulted from the coupling of Cbo-Asp(OMe)-OH with H-Phe-NH2.HCl and thermolysin as catalyst, followed by catalytic hydrogenation. Finally PhAc-Gly-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2 was obtained in a smooth reaction from PhAc-Gly-Trp-Met-OCam and H-Asp(OMe)-Phe-NH2 with alpha-chymotrypsin/Celite 545 in acetonitrile, followed by basic hydrolysis of the beta-methyl ester. The PhAc-group is removed with penicillin G amidase and CCK-5 is obtained in an overall isolated yield of 19.6%.

The enzymatic synthesis of a tetrapeptide Phac-Met-Gly-Trp-Met-OEt, a fragment of the cholecystokinin C-terminal octapeptide CCK-8, was reported. This fragment was synthesized by coupling Phac-Met-OEt with Gly-OMe, Trp-OMe and Met-OEt successively. These three steps were catalyzed by alpha-chymotrpsin, Papain and alpha-chymotrpsin respectively. The results of FAB-MS showed that all the products had the correct molecular mass.

A process for the enzymatic synthesis of PhAcCCK-8 is presented. The CCK-8 (CCK(26-33)) peptide fragment is the minimum sequence with biological activity of the cholecystokinin hormone. A synthetic convergent strategy has been developed starting from amino acid derivatives as raw materials, employing proteases as biocatalysts for each peptide coupling. The enzymes have been immobilized by deposition onto solid supports in order to be employed in organic media at low water activity. N-terminal protecting groups such as PhAc, which can be introduced and removed enzymatically, have been employed. The synthesis process has been set up at preparative level with focus in the integration of reaction and separation steps with an overall yield of 15%.

In this paper we report the synthesis and a detailed NMR solution characterization of a new CCK8 analogue and its indium(III) complex, PK-CCK8 and In-PK-CCK8. The new compounds contain a porphyrin moiety covalently bound through an amide bond to the side chain of a Lys residue introduced at the N-terminus of CCK8. A molecular dynamics simulation, based on the NMR structure of the complex between CCK8 and the N-terminal extracellular arm of the CCK(A) receptor, is also reported. Both the NMR study and the molecular dynamics simulation indicate that the porphyrin-peptide conjugate might be able to bind to the CCK(A) receptor model. The results of the molecular dynamics calculations show that the conformational features of the CCK8/CCK(A) receptor model complex and of the PK-CCK8/CCK(A) receptor-model complex are similar. This evidence supports the view that the introduction of the porphyrin-Lys moiety does not influence the mode of ligand binding to the CCK(A) receptor model. The NMR structure of PK-CCK8 in DMSO consists of a well defined pseudo-helical N-terminal region, while the C-terminal region is flexible. Moreover, the absence of NOE contacts between the porphyrin and the peptide indicates that the macrocyclic ring is directed away from the peptide region involved in the binding with the receptor.

A systematic investigation of solid-phase peptide synthesis at elevated temperatures using the well-known aggregating peptide acyl carrier protein (65-74) and the unsulfated cholecystokinin-8 as models is presented. The main goal of the investigation was the determination of an optimized experimental condition for the synthesis of unsulfated cholecystokinin-12. Of the elevated temperatures used, 60 degrees C was the most appropriate. The efficiency of N,N'-diisopropylcarbodiimide/1-hydroxybenzotriazole (DIC/HOBt) in 25% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)/toluene at this temperature was similar to that of 2-(1-H-benzotriazole-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate (TBTU). Interestingly, this coupling reagent was more efficient than TBTU, benzotriazol-1-yl oxy-tris(dimethylamino)phosphonium and O-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate in N-methylpyrrolidone. 25% DMSO/toluene proved to be suitable for the swelling of the resins phenylacetamidomethyl, methylbenzhydrylamine, hydroxymethylphenoxy, 4-(benzyloxy)-2',4'-dimethoxybenzhydrylamine, 4-(2',4'-dimethoxyphenyl-Fmoc-aminomethyl)phenoxy and (4-succinylamido-2',2',4'-trimethoxy)benzhydrylamine. Those polymeric supports were fully compatible with the approach. Under the optimized synthesis condition found in these studies (temperature of 60 degrees C, DIC/HOBt as coupling reagent and 25% DMSO/toluene as solvent), no difficulties related to the aggregation phenomenon were encountered. These data confirm the usefulness of solid-phase peptide synthesis at elevated temperatures and extend its applicability.

A number of protected active peptide analogues of Cholecystokinin were prepared in solution by N-end stretching method with active esters. In the synthesis t-butoxycarbonyl (Boc-) and benzyloxycarbonyl (Z-) were applied as protecting groups. Six oligopeptides which contained protecting groups have not yet been reported in literature. Their structures were identified by amino acid analysis, opticity, IR and FAB-MS. The results of preliminary pharmacological tests show all the samples have biological activities in various degrees.

Background: Cholecystokinin (CCK) 58 is the predominant molecular form of CCK in canine and human intestine and circulating blood. There is no report on the metabolism and clearance rate of CCK-58. The aim of this study was to compare the in vivo half-life and metabolism of CCK-58 with that of synthetic CCK-8., Methods: CCK-58 was purified from canine intestine by consecutive high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) and fast protein liquid chromatographic steps. The peptides were given to 12 dogs as an intravenous (IV) bolus injection to determine the half-life of circulating CCK. Six dogs were given CCK-58 or CCK-8 as a constant IV infusion to determine plasma clearance rates and stability in circulating blood. Circulating molecular forms of CCK were determined by radioimmunoassay after extraction of CCK from plasma and characterization by HPLC., Results: The half-life of CCK-58 was 4.4 +/- 0.6 minutes compared with 1.3 +/- 0.1 minutes for CCK-8. Less than 5% of CCK-58 could be detected as smaller forms during constant IV infusion., Conclusions: The longer half-life of CCK-58 compared with CCK-8 and the minimal conversion into smaller forms during constant IV infusion are consistent with the finding that CCK-58 is not only the major stored form but also the circulating form of CCK after endogenous stimulation in dogs.

New analogues of human cholecystokinin in which the Tyr(SO3H) has been replaced by Phe(p-CH2SO3Na), methionines by norleucines, and tryptophan by 2-naphthylalanine([Phe(p-CH2- SO3Na)27,Nle28,31,Nal30]-CCK26-33 and [Phe(p-CH2SO3Na)27,Nle7,28,31,Nal30]-CCK-33) were synthesized by Fmoc solid phase methodology on two different resins (2,4- dimethoxybenzhydrylamine- and 4-(benzyloxy)-2',4'-dimethoxybenzhydrylamine resins, 2,4-DMBHA and TMBHA resins, respectively). While the syntheses on the TMBHA appeared to be more sluggish than those carried out on the 2,4-DMBHA, both final crude products were of equivalent relative purity and after purification gave approximately the same final yields of analogues estimated to have a purity greater than 93% using RPHPLC and CZE. The peptides were further characterized by amino acid analysis and LSIMS. Phe(p-CH2SO3Na)27,Nle7,28,31,Nal30]-CCK-33 was submitted to 33 Edman cycles and shown to be the desired product with less than 3% preview. Both analogues were tested for their ability to stimulate amylase release from isolated rat pancreatic acini. In this assay, [Phe(p-CH2SO3Na)27,Nle28,31,Nal30]-CCK26-33 and Phe(p-CH2SO3Na)27,Nle7,28,31,Nal30]-CCK-33 were 10 and 30 times less potent than CCK-8, respectively.

A new photoreactive tritiated cholecystokinin (CCK) analogue was synthesized which contains the p-benzoylbenzoyl moiety linked to an ornithine residue at the N-terminus of the sulfated CCK octapeptide (CCK-8s). p-Benzoylbenzoyl-Orn(propionyl)-CCK-8s bound specifically and with high affinity to CCK binding sites in membranes both from pig cerebral cortex and from rat pancreatic membranes. The apparent dissociation constants KD were 1.2 nM and 0.5 nM, respectively. [3H]-p-Benzoylbenzoyl-Orn(propionyl)-CCK-8s was incubated with CCKB receptor preparations enriched by lectin chromatography and subsequently photoactivated. A polypeptide migrating with an apparent molecular weight M(r) of 56,000 in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was specifically labeled. The labeling was suppressed by the CCKB receptor agonist pentagastrin. The efficiency of incorporation of radioactivity was high, reaching up to 70% of specifically bound radioactivity. After treatment with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, the molecular weight of the labeled protein decreased to 45,000, indicating that the receptor is glycosylated. Photoaffinity labeling of CCKA receptors from rat pancreas resulted in the specific labeling of a protein band with M(r) of 80,000-100,000. Our synthetic approach should be useful for the design of photoreactive analogues of a variety of peptides. The high efficiency photolabeling of the CCKB receptor will be valuable for further characterization and purification of this receptor.

A series of singularly N-methylated analogs of Ac[Nle28,31]CCK(26-33) were synthesized by the solid-phase methodology, and their biological activity was tested in three different in vitro bioassays. The bioassays employed were the guinea pig gallbladder (GPGB), stomach (GPS), and ileum (GPI). All N-methyl analogs were agonists in all three bioassays. N-Methylation at either N- or C-terminals did not affect potency and selectivity, whereas N-methylation of internal residues [Nle28,(N-Me)Nle31]- and [Nle28,31,(N-Me)Trp30]CCK(26-33) in the sequence resulted in analogs which were 10-fold less potent than Ac[Nle28,31]CCK(26-33) in all three preparations. Different rank orders of potencies observed for [Nle28,31,Sar29]- and [Nle28,31,(N-Me)Asp32]CCK(26-33) analogs correspond to increased selectivity to either GPGB or GPS, respectively. We propose that systematic N-methylation of single amide bonds in a bioactive peptide should be conducted as an additional routine to probe structure-activity relationships.

The carboxyl terminal dipeptide amide, Fmoc-Asp-Phe-NH2, of gastrin and cholecystokinin (CCK) has been attached in high yield through its free side chain carboxyl group to the acid labile 2-chlorotrityl resin. The obtained peptide resin ester has been applied in the solid phase synthesis of partially protected (Leu15)-gastrin I utilising Fmoc-amino acids. Quantitative cleavage of this peptide from resin, with the t-butyl type side chain protection intact is achieved using mixtures of acetic acid/trifluoroethanol/dichloromethane. Under the same conditions complete detritylation of the tyrosine phenoxy function occurs simultaneously. Thus, the solid-phase synthesis of peptides selectively deprotected at the side chain of tyrosine is rendered possible by the use of 2-chlorotrityl resin and Fmoc-Tyr(Trt)-OH. The efficiency of this approach has been proved by the subsequent high-yield synthesis of three model peptides and the CCK-octapeptide.

Substitution of the -OSO3H group in the sulfated-tyrosine by the non-hydrolyzable-CH2SO3H group was the first described modification of the sulfate ester that does not affect CCK8 activity. In addition to its capacity to mimic the sulfated tyrosine residue, the amino acid Phe(p-CH2SO3Na) was shown to be stable in acidic media, including HF containing mixtures. The synthesis of Boc-Phe(p-CH2SO3Na)-OH in racemic and resolved forms and its introduction into the sequence of CCK8 by solid phase using standard Boc/benzyl synthesis conditions and BOP as coupling reagent is now reported. The two CCK8 analogues containing the L- or the D-Phe(p-CH2SO3Na) residue, obtained in satisfactory yields, were separated by HPLC and the stereochemistry of Phe(p-CH2SO3Na) residue in each peptide was established by NMR spectroscopy and confirmed by a separate solid phase synthesis in which the pure L isomer was used. Both CCK8 analogues displayed high affinities for peripheral and central receptors (KI approximately 1 nM) and proved to be full agonists in the stimulation of pancreatic amylase secretion. The "stabilized-CCK8 peptide", easily prepared by solid phase, could replace the native peptide in biochemical and pharmacological studies. Moreover the modified amino acid Phe (p-CH2SO3Na) could also be used in solid phase synthesis to prepare a wide variety of CCK analogues and more generally, peptides analogues containing the acid-labile O-sulfated tyrosine.

Two analogues of the C-terminal heptapeptide of cholecystokinin have been synthesized, in which the C-terminal phenylalanine residue has been replaced by a phenylethylester (JMV 180) or a phenylethylamide (JMV 170) group. They have been shown to present partial agonist CCK activity on pancreatic amylase release. In this study, the effects of the two peptides were investigated on food intake and brain monoamine metabolism after intraperitoneal (IP) and intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration. Neither peptide was active on feeding after IP administration but both decreased food intake after ICV injection, with a slightly higher potency for JMV 170. JMV 180 induced no change in monoamine metabolism whatever the route of administration. JMV 170 IP decreased cortical levels of dopamine and its metabolites. This effect was stronger after ICV injection and was accompanied by changes in serotonergic metabolism in the hypothalamus and cortex. Contrary to CCK8 S, which is more active on feeding after peripheral injection, the feeding effects of the analogues obtained by modification of the C-terminal phenylalanine residue appear to involve a central site of action. Furthermore, phenylethylamide substitution (JMV 170) gives rise to greater potency on monoaminergic variations than replacement with a phenylethylester (JMV 180) and the effect is enhanced following central administration.

A series of CCK analogues in which positions 28 and 31 have been replaced by N-methylnorleucine residues have been synthesized. It has been found that most of these N-methylnorleucine containing analogues of CCK are highly potent and some are extraordinarily selective for the central vs. peripheral receptor in two animal models (guinea pig and rat). [N-MeNle28,31]CCK26-33 nonsulfated exhibited both high potency (IC50 = 0.13 nM) and selectivity for central vs. peripheral receptors. The pancrease to brain cortex binding affinity ratio for this analogue is 5100 in the rat model. NMR studies reveal that there is cis/trans isomerism about the N-methylnorleucine residue that may be related to high selectivity.

Affinity labeling of the rat pancreatic cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor with decapeptide probes has identified an Mr = 85,000-95,000 protein, distinct from the Mr = 80,000 component previously labeled with 125I-Bolton Hunter-CCK-33. We have characterized the carbohydrate composition of this novel protein labeled with 125I-D-Tyr-Gly-[(Nle28,31)-CCK-26-33] and disuccinimidyl suberate by using chemical and enzymatic deglycosylation and lectin chromatography. The Mr = 85,000-95,000 component was demonstrated to be an N-linked sialoglycoprotein based on neuraminidase digestion to Mr = 75,000-85,000 and endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase F (Endo F) digestion to Mr = 42,000. This was distinct from the Mr = 65,000 product of Endo F digestion of the protein labeled with 125I-Bolton Hunter-CCK-33. Lack of an effect of endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H demonstrated the absence of N-linked simple oligosaccharides, while products of chemical deglycosylation with hydrogen fluoride and endo-alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase supported the absence of O-linked carbohydrate. The presence of at least four oligosaccharide chains on the core protein was suggested by Endo F digestion of the Mr = 85,000-95,000 protein using limiting enzyme conditions. This glycoprotein was retained on wheat germ agglutininagarose and eluted by N,N',N"-triacetylchitotriose. Identification of the Mr = 85,000-95,000 component on the ectodomain of the plasmalemma of intact pancreatic acini confirmed this to be the fully processed form of the CCK-binding protein.

Syntheses of analogues of the C-terminal octa- and heptapeptide of cholecystokinin are described. These analogues were obtained by replacing the C-terminal phenylalanine residue by 2-phenylethyl alcohol or by 2-phenylethylamine derivatives and by replacing the tryptophan residue by a D-tryptophan. The CCK-derivatives were tested for their ability to inhibit binding of labeled CCK-8 to rat pancreatic acini and to guinea pig brain membranes, and for their action on stimulation of amylase release from rat pancreatic acini. Some of these derivatives appeared to exhibit only part of the CCK-activity on amylase release, the D-Trp analogues behaving as CCK-antagonists.

A rapid and simple one-pot method for O-sulfation of nonsulfated cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) was developed using sulfuric acid and dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) without protection of the amino acid side chains. The extent of sulfation was increased with increasing the amount of reactants, sulfuric acid, and DCC, and reached maximum (40%) with fourfold molar excess of sulfuric acid and 40-fold molar excess of DCC. The excess of nonsulfated peptide inhibited the sulfation. The sulfation product was purified by HPLC or TLC to give a pure sulfated substance which showed exactly the same behavior as that of an authentic O-sulfated CCK-8 on HPLC or TLC. The purified sulfated peptide was active in stimulating amylase secretion from rat pancreatic fragments, and amino acid analysis showed that the tyrosine residue in the peptide existed in O-sulfated form. Sulfation with [35S]sulfuric acid-DCC produced a radioactive substance, from which O-[35S]sulfated CCK-8 could be easily purified by two-dimensional TLC.

The sulfate ester of CCK26-33 or CCK8 (Asp-Tyr(SO3H)-Met-Gly-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2) borne by the tyrosine residue is a critical determinant of the biological activity of this peptide. In order to increase the stability of this molecule, the sulfated tyrosine has been replaced by a synthetic amino acid (L,D)Phe(p-CH2SO3Na) in which the OSO3H group was replaced by the nonhydrolyzable CH2SO3H group. Both isomers were separated by chromatography and the stereochemistry of the Phe(p-CH2SO3Na) residue in each peptide was established by NMR spectroscopy. The biological activities of the new derivatives Ac[X27, Nle28,Nle31]CCK27-33 were compared with those of Boc[Nle28,Nle31]CCK27-33, an equiactive analogue of CCK8 and Boc[D-Tyr(SO3Na)27,Nle28,Nle31]CCK27-33. Besides their highly enhanced chemical stability, Ac[L-Phe(p-CH2SO3Na)27,Nle28,Nle31]CCK27-33 and Ac[D-Phe(p-CH2SO3Na)27,Nle28,Nle31]CCK27-33 display high affinity for peripheral and central CCK receptors (KI congruent to 10(-9) M) and proved to be full agonists in the stimulation of pancreatic secretion as well as in the in vitro CCK8-induced contractions of the guinea pig ileum.

A possible heterogeneity of peripheral receptors for CCK26-33 [Asp-Tyr(SO3H)-Met-Gly-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2] (CCK8) was investigated by replacement of the flexible Gly29 residue, reported to be crucially involved in the CCK8 folding, by a D-Lys residue in Boc[Nle28,31]CCK27-33, a derivative as active as CCK8. The linear peptide Boc-Asp-Tyr(SO3H)-Nle-D-Lys-Trp-Nle-Asp-Phe-NH2 was cyclized through amide bond formation between the side chains of Asp26 and D-Lys29 to give the peptide Boc-Asp-Tyr(SO3H)-Nle-D-Lys-Trp-Nle-Asp-Phe-NH2. Analogues 1 and 2 were shown to stimulate secretion of amylase from rat pancreas with a potency that was respectively 40 and 80 times lower than that of CCK8. In contrast, both peptides acted as weak antagonists (EC50 approximately 10(-5) M) of the CCK8-induced contractions of guinea pig ileum. Peptides 3 and 4 obtained by removal of the phenylalanine from 1 and 2 were inactive in all bioassays despite amidification of their C-terminal Asp32 residue, a modification known to induce antagonist properties in CCK7. Cyclization between residues 28 and 31 in Boc[Asp28,Lys31]CCK27-33 gave compound Boc-Tyr(SO3H)-Asp-Gly-Trp-Lys-Asp-Phe-NH2, which was inactive in all bioassays. The pharmacological properties of these first described cyclic analogues of CCK8 were in agreement with their binding affinity to brain and pancreas receptors, suggesting the existence of a heterogeneity of peripheral receptors and emphasizing the usefulness of cyclic peptides in structure-activity studies.

[125I]Bolton Hunter-cholecystokinin octapeptide (BH-CCK8) has been prepared using a modified method and was used to study putative cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor sites in the guinea-pig cerebral cortex. Specific binding of [125I]BH-CCK8, defined as the difference in binding in the absence and presence of 10(-6) M CCK8, was 70% of total binding. In saturation experiments, the apparent dissociation constant (Kd) was 1 nM and total binding capacity was 28 fmol/mg of protein. In association experiments, conducted at 30 degrees C, binding of [125I]BH-CCIK8 reached equilibrium in approximately 150 min. Binding was stable for 4 hr and was reversed by the addition of unlabeled CCK8-sulfated. Dissociation of bound ligand was biphasic and the apparent T1/2 was 45 min. Analyses of kinetic experiments yielded an association rate constant of 0.58 X 10(8) min-1 M-1 and a dissociation rate constant for the slower component of 0.012 min-1. Dithiothreitol increased and N-ethylmaleimide decreased specific binding of [125I]BH-CCK8, indicating that CCK receptor sites involve sulfhydryl groups. In competition experiments, the potency of CCK4 was enhanced 50-fold with addition of protease inhibitors. The rank order of CCK-related peptides was CCK8-sulfated greater than or equal to Gastrin 17 greater than or equal to CCK33 greater than CCK4 greater than or equal to CCK8-desulfated. Proglumide, a proposed CCK antagonist in the periphery and brain, was inactive at 10(-3) M. The specificity of [125I]BH-CCK8 binding sites are similar to that reported for [125I]BH-CCK33.

Two analogues of [Nle28,31]-CCK26-33 containing an N-terminal acetyl or N-terminal hydroxysulfonyl moiety were prepared and characterized. Both analogues were equipotent to native CCK26-33 in four bioassays, demonstrating that N-terminal sulfation of CCK26-33 analogues is compatible with full biological activity.

Based on recent findings identifying the initial degradative cleavage of CCK-8 at the Met3-Gly4 bond by a metalloendopeptidase, two analogues of CCK-8 with D-Ala and D-Trp substitutions at the Gly4 position were synthesized as stable analogues. Their stability to proteolysis by brain membranes and their binding potency at central CCK receptors were quantified. Both peptides are stable to degradation by peptidases in cortical synaptic membrane preparations. The analogues are nearly equipotent to CCK-8 in their affinities for inhibition of 125I-CCK-33 binding to guinea pig cortical membranes. L-Ala and L-Trp substituted peptides were synthesized for comparison. Both these peptides are degraded by synaptic membranes and the L-Trp substituted peptide possesses a greatly reduced affinity for central CCK receptors. Therefore, the structure of CCK due to the D conformation of Gly is more capable of interacting with brain CCK receptors. Further conformational analysis will establish whether the stabilized structure is a beta-bend or a beta-turn. Since these peptides are highly potent and stable to brain proteolysis they may be useful as stable CCK analogues for in vivo application.

The role of the amino acid in position 31 of cholecystokinin CCK26-33 in the recognition of central and peripheral receptors was investigated by replacement of methionine-31 by amino acids with side chains of various chemical nature. Thus, phenylalanine, alanine, glutamic acid, and ornithine and its analogue with the epsilon-amino group protected by a benzyloxycarbonyl group were introduced as X residues in Boc(Nle28,X31)-CCK27-33 since the related analogue Boc(Nle28,Nle31)-CCK27-33 was shown to be equipotent to CCK26-33. The binding properties to both mouse brain membranes and guinea pig pancreatic acini and the peripheral activities (amylase secretion and contractile potency on guinea pig ileum) were determined. Whereas the introduction of phenylalanine, alanine, or ornithine residues in position 31 led to compounds that still displayed peripheral agonist properties, the presence of a negative charge in the side chain of the amino acid in position 31 prevented the binding of the peptide to both pancreatic and brain binding sites. Introduction of Phe31 and Ala31 residues increased the specificity of the peptides for the central receptors. Interestingly, when the amine function in the side chain of the ornithine-31 was protected by a benzyloxycarbonyl group, an unusual high affinity for pancreatic binding sites was observed and the related analogue proved to be a new peripheral CCK antagonist.

A new CCK8 related peptide, Boc[Nle28,Nle31]CCK27-33 (Boc[diNle]CCK7) was synthesized and tested for cholecystokinic activity, at both the peripheral and the central level. This analogue, protected against both chemical oxidation and enzymatic degradation by aminopeptidases, was shown to be equipotent to CCK8 in releasing amylase from rat pancreas fragments. In addition, the EC50 values of Boc[diNle]CCK7 in the guinea pig gallbladder and ileum contraction assays (3.2 nM and 3.0 nM respectively) were similar to those of CCK8 (6.0 nM and 2.0 nM). Moreover both Boc[diNle]CCK7 and CCK8 elicited similar effects on the open field test over the same concentrations range. These results demonstrate the ability of Boc[diNle]CCK7 to be a suitable tool for investigating the physiological role of native CCK8.

To investigate the role of the sulfate group and the influence of cyclization on the biological properties of conformationally constrained CCK8 analogues, three series of compounds were synthesized: Boc-Glu-Tyr-Nle-D-Lys-Trp-Nle-Asp-Phe-NH2 (1), Boc-Glu-Tyr(SO3H)-Nle-D-Lys-Trp-Nle-Asp-Phe-NH2 (2), and Boc-Glu-Tyr-(SO3H)-Nle-D-Lys-Trp-Nle-Asp-Phe-NH2 (3) (series A); Boc-D-Glu-Tyr-Nle-D-Lys-Trp-Nle-Asp-Phe-NH2 (4), Boc-D-Glu-Tyr(SO3H)-Nle-D-Lys-Trp-Nle-Asp-Phe-NH2 (5), Boc-D-Glu-Tyr(SO3H)-Nle-D-Lys-Trp-Nle-Asp-Phe-NH2 (6), and Boc-D-Glu-Tyr(SO3H)-Nle-D-Nle-Trp-Asp-Phe-NH2 (7) (series B); and Boc-gamma-D-Glu-Tyr-Nle-D-Lys-Trp-Nle-Asp-Phe-NH2 (8), Boc-gamma-D-Glu-Tyr(SO3H)-Nle-D-Lys-Trp-Nle-Asp-Phe-NH2 (9), and Boc-gamma-D-Glu-Tyr-(SO3H)-Nle-D-Lys-Trp-Nle-Asp-Phe-NH2 (10) (series C). The selectivity of these peptides was studied by measuring their ability to displace [3H]propionyl-CCK8 from guinea pig brain and pancreatic membranes. All the peptides displayed low affinities (KI values around 10(-6) M) for the pancreatic receptors (A type). In contrast, both sulfated and nonsulfated cyclic analogues displayed high affinities for central-type binding sites (B type), especially compounds belonging to series C [KI(8) = 4.7 nM and KI(9) = 0.56 nM]. In all series the linear analogues had relatively poor affinities (KI approximately 300 nM) for B-type receptors. Compound 9 was the most potent (KI = 0.56 nM) and selective [KI(pancreas)/KI(brain) = 4464] for central-type CCK receptors of guinea pig. The cyclization of the N-terminal region of CCK8 permits one therefore to obtain probes for central receptors, and small changes directed toward the cyclic part modulate the affinity for these receptors.