Arylazoamidoximes and related compounds as NO-modulators

Three amidinoarylhydrazines 1, three arylazoamidines 2, and nine arylazoamidoximes 3 have been synthesized and investigated for their potential to function as nitric oxide (NO) modulators. In-vitro studies demonstrated that 2 and 3 inhibited platelet aggregation (2c, IC(50 )= 3 microM) which could also be shown in vivo by inhibition of thrombus formation in arterioles (3a, 22%). Moreover, for all compounds antihypertensive effects were examined in vivo with SHR rats, with 2a being the most potent candidate by lowering blood pressure by 19%. However, no common underlying mechanism of action could be shown. Some of these compounds released HNO non-enzymatically. Incubations with NO synthase isoforms (NOSs) revealed, that compounds 1 to 3 were weak substrates for NOSs but arylazoamidoximes 3 remarkably elevated the NOSs activity in the presence of L-arginine (3h, up to fivefold). In addition, we examined effects on arginase and dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH), two further enzymes involved in the complex regulation of NO biosynthesis, to elucidate whether the observed in-vivo effects can be traced back to their modulation. Furthermore, the metabolic fate of arylazoamidoximes 3 was addressed by investigation of a possible N-reductive biotransformation. In summary, novel NO-modulating compound classes are presented, among which arylazoamidoximes 3 are potent activators of NOS isoforms, and arylazoamidines 2 exert in-vivo effects by unknown mechanisms.

New NO donors with antithrombotic and vasodilating activities, Part 27. Azide oximes and 1-hydroxytetrazoles

Eleven azide oximes were prepared and tested for their antiplatelet (in vitro), antithrombotic, and blood pressure lowering activities. Nine of them inhibited the aggregation of blood platelets (Born test, inducer collagen) with IC50 values between 10 and 50 microM. The most active compounds i.e. azido-4-nitrophenylbenzaldoxime (2h) had an IC50 = 2 microM. Nine azide oximes exhibited significant antithrombotic properties. The most active compounds were 2h and 2c (azido-4-methylphenylbenzaldoxime) with an inhibition of thrombus formation above 20% in arterioles after a single p.o. dose of 60 mg/kg. Both compounds lowered the blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats by 11% (2h) or 5% (2c), respectively. Seven azide oximes were rearranged to the title tetrazololes which however showed smaller antithrombotic effects. In separate in vitro experiments at 37 degrees C it could be demonstrated that azide oximes release nitric oxide (conversion rate approximately 10%.h-1) and nitrosohydrogen (conversion rate approximately 2%.h-1). This makes it appear probable that the above effects are mediated by these molecules.

New NO donors with antithrombotic and vasodilating activities, Part 29. N-(1-cyanocyclohexyl)-C-phenylnitrones and glyoxaldinitrones

Six N-(1-cyanocyclohexyl)-C-phenylnitrones 4a-f (4b-f for the first time) and 22 glyoxaldinitrones 7a-v were prepared and tested for antithrombotic (p.o. administration to rats, 60 mg/kg) effects. Both classes of compounds exhibit considerable antithrombotic activities. Maximum inhibition of thrombus formation in arterioles (21%) was observed in N,N'-bis-2-phenylethylglyoxaldinitrone (7o) and N,N'-bis-4-nitrobenzylglyoxaldinitrone (7u). The compounds form only small amounts of nitric oxide in vitro by the addition of a Fe(3+)-porphyrine complex and an oxygen donor.

New NO-donors with antithrombotic and vasodilating activities, Part 17. Arylazoamidoximes and 3-arylazo-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-ones

Seven arylazoamidoximes (3), six phenoxycarbonyl derivatives (4), and six 1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-ones (5) have been prepared and their structure and purity established by spectroscopy and elemental analysis. In the EI mass spectra ready elimination of NO from the title amidoximes was observed. A new addition reaction of 3a with hydrochloric acid to 4-chlorophenylhydro-azoamidoxime 7 is described. The compounds were tested for nitric oxide dependent biological properties, i.e. platelet aggregation, antithrombotic effects, and decrease in blood pressure. In arterioles of rats 5/19 compounds inhibited the formation of thrombi with a laser beam by > or = 20% 2 h after oral administration of 60 mg/kg. Among these are three amidoximes (3a, 3e, 3f), one phenoxycarbonyl derivative (4a), and one oxadiazolone (5a). With the 4-chlorophenylazoamidoxime 3c a long lasting (24 h) decrease of blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats was observed. Microsomal fractions of rat liver oxidize arylazoamidoximes and generate nitric oxide (e.g. 3a and 3b). NO was measured by the oxyhemoglobin assay. The influence of SOD, pretreatment of the rats with dexamethasone, as well as kinetic parameters were determined. Type 3 compounds, therefore, are a new class of NO donors. Type 4 and 5 compounds function as their prodrugs.

New NO-donors with antithrombotic and vasodilating activities, Part 14. 1,3,4-Triazol-1-oles

Five 1,3,4-triazol-1-oles (5a-f) with different alkyl, aryl, and arylalkyl substituents in 2,5-position were synthesized and tested for their antithrombotic properties. The 2,5-dimethyl derivative 5a was most active. 2 h after administration of 60 mg/kg to rats thrombus formation by a laser beam was inhibited by 42% in arterioles and by 33% in venules. At the same dose the blood pressure of SHR rats was slightly (5%) but significantly decreased even 4 h after application of 5a. This pattern of activities suggests a nitric oxide mediated mechanism of action. 1,1'-Azo-bis-ethanone oxime(7)-the synthetic precursor of 5a-inhibited the aggregation of blood platelet (Born test) with an IC50 = 15 mumol/L.