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Low-voltage-activated (T-type) calcium channels are important regulators of the transmission of nociceptive information in the primary afferent pathway and finding ligands that modulate these channels is a key focus of the drug discovery field. Recently, we characterized a set of novel compounds with mixed cannabinoid receptor/T-type channel blocking activity and examined their analgesic effects in animal models of pain. Here, we have built on these previous findings and synthesized a new series of small organic compounds. We then screened them using whole-cell voltage clamp techniques to identify the most potent T-type calcium channel inhibitors. The two most potent blockers (compounds 9 and 10) were then characterized using radioligand binding assays to determine their affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors. The structure-activity relationship and optimization studies have led to the discovery of a new T-type calcium channel blocker, compound 9. Compound 9 was efficacious in mediating analgesia in mouse models of acute inflammatory pain and in reducing tactile allodynia in the partial nerve ligation model. This compound was shown to be ineffective in Cav3.2 T-type calcium channel null mice at therapeutically relevant concentrations, and it caused no significant motor deficits in open field tests. Taken together, our data reveal a novel class of compounds whose physiological and therapeutic actions are mediated through block of Cav3.2 calcium channels.

The system xc(-) antiporter is a plasma membrane transporter that mediates the exchange of extracellular l-cystine with intracellular l-glutamate. This exchange is significant within the context of the CNS because the import of l-cystine is required for the synthesis of the antioxidant glutathione, while the efflux of l-glutamate has the potential to contribute to either excitatory signaling or excitotoxic pathology. Changes in the activity of the transport system have been linked to the underlying pathological mechanisms of a variety of CNS disorders, one of the most prominent of which is its highly enriched expression in glial brain tumors. In an effort to produce more potent system xc(-) blockers, we have been using amino-3-carboxy-5-methylisoxazole propionic acid (ACPA) as a scaffold for inhibitor development. We previously demonstrated that the addition of lipophilic aryl groups to either the #4 or #5 position on the isoxazole ring markedly increased the inhibitory activity at system xc(-). In the present work a novel series of analogues has been prepared in which aryl groups have been introduced at both the #4 and #5 positions. In contrast to the competitive action of the mono-substituted analogues, kinetic analyses indicate that the di-substituted isoxazoles block system xc(-)-mediated uptake of (3)H-l-glutamate into SNB-19 cells by a noncompetitive mechanism. These new analogues appear to be the first noncompetitive inhibitors identified for this transport system, as well as being among the most potent blockers identified to date. These diaryl-isoxazoles should be of value in assessing the physiological roles and molecular pharmacology of system xc(-).

There is growing interest in using cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) agonists for the treatment of neuropathic pain and other indications. In continuation of our ongoing program aiming for the development of new small molecule cannabinoid ligands, we have synthesized a novel series of carbazole and γ-carboline derivatives. The affinities of the newly synthesized compounds were determined by a competitive radioligand displacement assay for human CB2 cannabinoid receptor and rat CB1 cannabinoid receptor. Functional activity and selectivity at human CB1 and CB2 receptors were characterized using receptor internalization and [35S]GTP-γ-S assays. The structure–activity relationship and optimization studies of the carbazole series have led to the discovery of a non-selective CB1 and CB2 agonist, compound 4. Our subsequent research efforts to increase CB2 selectivity of this lead compound have led to the discovery of CB2 selective compound 64, which robustly internalized CB2 receptors. Compound 64 had potent inhibitory effects on pain hypersensitivity in a rat model of neuropathic pain. Other potent and CB2 receptor–selective compounds, including compounds 63 and 68, and a selective CB1 agonist, compound 74 were also discovered. In addition, we identified the CB2 ligand 35 which failed to promote CB2 receptor internalization and inhibited compound CP55,940-induced CB2 internalization despite a high CB2 receptor affinity. The present study provides novel tricyclic series as a starting point for further investigations of CB2 pharmacology and pain treatment. Fil: Petrov, Ravil R.. University Of Montana; Estados Unidos Fil: Knight, Lindsay. Indiana University; Estados Unidos Fil: Chen, Shao Rui . University Of Texas; Estados Unidos Fil: Wager Miller, Jim. Indiana University; Estados Unidos Fil: McDaniel, Steven W.. University Of Montana; Estados Unidos Fil: Diaz, Fanny. University Of Montana; Estados Unidos Fil: Barth, Francis. Sanofi-aventis R&D; Francia Fil: Pan, Hui Lin. University Of Texas; Estados Unidos Fil: Mackie, Ken . Indiana University; Estados Unidos Fil: Cavasotto, Claudio Norberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina de Buenos Aires; Argentina Fil: Diaz, Philippe. University Of Montana; Estados Unidos

International audience; Enabling formulations based on hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrins (HPβCD), micellar preparation, and liposomes have been designed to deliver the racemic mixture of a lipophilic cannabinoid type 2 agonist, MDA7. The antiallodynic effects of MDA7 formulated in these three different systems were compared after intravenous (i.v.) administration in rats. Stoichiometry of the inclusion complex formed by MDA7 in HPβCD was determined by continuous variation plot, electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (ESI–MS) analysis, phase solubility, and nuclear magnetic resonance studies and indicate formation of exclusively 1:1 adduct. Morphology and particle sizes determined by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy show the presence of a homogeneous population of closed round-shaped oligolamellar MDA7 containing liposomes, with an average size of 117 nm [polydispersity index (PDI)

The optimized conditions allow the preparation of a library of structurally diverse products what is of interest for SAR studies in the field of isoxazole drugs.

A procedure for benzylic Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling under microwave conditions has been developed. These conditions allowed for heterocyclic compounds to be coupled. Optimum conditions found were Pd(OAc)(2), JohnPhos as the catalyst and ligand, potassium carbonate as base, and DMF as the solvent. Using these conditions, a library of structurally diverse compounds was synthesized.