Probing the bradykinin receptor: mapping the geometric topography using ethers of hydroxyproline in novel peptides

Side Chain Cyclized Aromatic Amino Acids: Great Tools as Local Constraints in Peptide and Peptidomimetic Design

Constraining the conformation of flexible peptides is a proven strategy to increase potency, selectivity, and metabolic stability. The focus has mostly been on constraining the backbone dihedral angles; however, the correct orientation of the amino acid side chains (χ-space) that constitute the peptide pharmacophore is equally important. Control of χ-space utilizes conformationally constrained amino acids that favor, disfavor, or exclude the gauche (-), the gauche (+), or the trans conformation. In this review we focus on cyclic aromatic amino acids in which the side chain is connected to the peptide backbone to provide control of χ¹- and χ²-space. The manifold applications for cyclized analogues of the aromatic amino acids Phe, Tyr, Trp, and His within peptide medicinal chemistry are showcased herein with examples of enzyme inhibitors and ligands for G protein-coupled receptors.

Bradykinin analogs containing the 4-amino-2-benzazepin-3-one scaffold at the C-terminus

High affinity peptide ligands for the bradykinin (BK) B(2) subtype receptor have been shown to adopt a beta-turn conformation of the C-terminal tetrapeptide (H-Arg(1)-Pro(2)-Pro(3)-Gly(4)-Phe(5)-Ser(6)-Pro(7)-Phe(8)-Arg(9)-OH). We investigated the replacement of the Pro(7)-Phe(8) dipeptide moiety in BK or the D-Tic(7)-Oic(8) subunit in HOE140 (H-D-Arg(0)-Arg(1)-Pro(2)-Hyp(3)-Gly(4)-Thi(5)-Ser(6)-D-Tic(7)-Oic(8)-Arg(9)-OH) by 4-amino-1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one templates (Aba). Binding studies to the human B(2) receptor showed a correlation between the affinities of the BK analogs and the propensity of the templates to adopt a beta-turn conformation. The L-spiro-Aba-Gly containing HOE140 analog BK10 has the best affinity, which correlates with the known turn-inducing property of this template. All the compounds did not modify basal inositolphosphate (IP) output in B(2)-expressing CHO cells up to 10 microM concentration. The antagonist properties were confirmed by the guinea pig ileum smooth muscle contractility assay. The new amino-benzazepinone (Aba) substituted BK analogs were found to be surmountable antagonists.

Synthesis and biological activities of new side chain and backbone cyclic bradykinin analogues

A series of conformationally constrained cyclic analogues of the peptide hormone bradykinin (BK, Arg-Pro-Pro-Gly-Phe-Ser-Pro-Phe-Arg) was synthesized to check different turned structures proposed for the bioactive conformation of BK agonists and antagonists. Cycles differing in the size and direction of the lactam bridge were performed at the C- and N-terminal sequences of the molecule. Glutamic acid and lysine were introduced into the native BK sequence at different positions for cyclization through their side chains. Backbone cyclic analogues were synthesized by incorporation of N-carboxy alkylated and N-amino alkylated amino acids into the peptide chain. Although the coupling of Fmoc-glycine to the N-alkylated phenylalanine derivatives was effected with DIC/HOAt in SPPS, the dipeptide building units with more bulky amino acids were pre-built in solution. For backbone cyclization at the C-terminus an alternative building unit with an acylated reduced peptide bond was preformed in solution. Both types of building units were handled in the SPPS in the same manner as amino acids. The agonistic and antagonistic activities of the cyclic BK analogues were determined in rat uterus (RUT) and guinea-pig ileum (GPI) assays. Additionally, the potentiation of the BK-induced effects was examined. Among the series of cyclic BK agonists only compound 3 with backbone cyclization between positions 2 and 5 shows a significant agonistic activity on RUT. To study the influence of intramolecular ring closure we used an antagonistic analogue with weak activity, [D-Phe7]-BK. Side chain as well as backbone cyclization in the N-terminus of [D-Phe7]-BK resulted in analogues with moderate antagonistic activity on RUT. Also, compound 18 in which a lactam bridge between positions 6 and 9 was achieved via an acylated reduced peptide bond has moderate antagonistic activity on RUT. These results support the hypothesis of turn structures in both parts of the molecule as a requirement for BK antagonism. Certain active and inactive agonists and antagonists are able to potentiate the bradykinin-induced contraction of guinea-pig ileum.

New conformationally homogeneous beta-turn antagonists of the human B2 kinin receptor

We have designed and synthesized a conformationally homogeneous series of cyclic pentapeptides of the general structure c[Pro-aa(i)-D-Tic-Oic-aa(i + 3)] which adopt a type-II' beta-turn conformation believed important for high affinity antagonism of the bradykinin (BK) B2 receptor. We incorporated D-Tic and octahydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic) residues (present in known active antagonists) in a cyclic pentapeptide that would place the D-aa in the i + 1 position of the beta-turn and a proline as a bridge between the C- and N-termini sides of the turn. In positions i and i + 3 alkyl, aromatic, polar or charged amino acids could be introduced without dramatically changing the overall structure. Ten analogues were studied using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and evaluated for their binding affinity for the human B2 receptor. The NMR data in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) confirmed the structural homogeneity within the class and, on the basis of this, one representative member of the series was chosen for a detailed structure determination using NMR data in sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS) micelles and molecular dynamics calculations. Despite the structural similarity, the binding affinity of the ten analogues was strongly influenced by the nature of the side-chains in positions i and i + 3, with the doubly charged analogue 49 (pKi = 6.2) proving best. This compound may serve as the starting point for the discovery of new non-peptide bradykinin B2 receptor antagonists.

NMR and simulated annealing investigations of bradykinin in presence of polyphenols

Epidemiological studies have shown that the incidence of some cardiovascular degenerative diseases appears to be lower in populations with regular but moderate drinking of red wine rich in polyphenols. One of the most important properties of polyphenols is to form complexes with proteins. The linear nonapeptide hormone bradykinin (H-Arg1-Pro2-Pro3-Gly4-Phe5-Ser6-Pro7-Phe8-Arg9-OH) is involved in a variety of physiological processes such as the cardiovascular processes. Thus, the goal of this work was to study the effects of tannins on the peptide structure by NMR investigations and molecular modeling. The results of these investigations show that in the presence of catechin, the peptide conformation is not affected and is in a random coil structure. On the contrary, the peptide structure is modified by the addition of dimeric proanthocyanidin B3 (catechin 4alpha-->8 catechin). The dimer leads to the formation of a large flexible turn between the 6-9 residues. Thus, the biological activities of bradykinin in the presence of polyphenols could be affected.

Structural characterization of peptide hormone/receptor interactions by NMR spectroscopy

The structural characterization of peptide hormones and their interaction with G-protein (guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein) coupled receptors by high-resolution nmr is described. The general approaches utilized can be categorized into three different classes based on their target: the ligand, the receptor, and the ligand/receptor complex. Examples of these different approaches, aimed at facilitating the rational design of peptides and peptidomimetics with improved pharmacological profiles, based on work carried out in our own laboratory, are given. In the ligand-based approach, the high-resolution structures of bradykinin analogues allowing for the development of a structure-activity relationship for activation of the B1 receptor are described. Studies targeting the receptor are to a large extent theoretical, based on computational molecular modeling. However, experimentally based structural features provided by high-resolution nmr can be used to great advantage, providing insight into the mechanism of receptor function, as illustrated here with results from parathyroid hormone. A similar combination of theoretical methods, supplemented by high-resolution structures from nmr has been utilized to probe the formation and stabilization of the ligand/receptor complex both for parathyroid hormone and cholecystokinin. In each of these three approaches, the importance of well-designed peptide mimetics and accurate structural analysis by high-resolution nmr, will be highlighted.

Design of peptides, proteins, and peptidomimetics in chi space

Peptide and protein biological activities depend on their three dimensionals structures in the free state and when interacting with their receptors/acceptors. The backbone conformations such as alpha-helix, beta-sheet, beta-turn, and so forth provide critical templates for the three-dimensional structure, but the overall shape and intrinsic stereoelectronic properties of the peptide or protein important for molecular recognition, signal transduction, enzymatic specificity, immunomodulation, and other biological effects depend on arrangement of the side chain groups in three-dimensional chi space (their chi 1, chi 2, etc. torsional angles). In this paper we explore approaches to the de novo design of polypeptides and peptidomimetics with biased or specific conformational/topographical properties in chi space. We consider computational and experimental methods that can be used to examine the effects of specific structural modifications in constraining side chain groups of amino acid residues and their similarities in chi space to the natural amino acids to evaluate what sort of mimetics are likely to mimic normal amino acids. We then examine some of the asymmetric synthetic methods that are being developed to obtain the amino acid mimetics. Finally, we consider selected examples in the literature where these specialized amino acids have been incorporated in biologically active peptides and the specific insights they have provided regarding the topographical requirements for bioactive peptide potency, selectivity, and other biochemical and pharmacological properties. Constraints in chi space show great promise as useful tools in peptide, protein, and peptidomimetic de novo design of structures and pharmacophores with specific stereostructural, biochemical and biological properties.

Spontaneous human B2 bradykinin receptor activity determines the action of partial agonists as agonists or inverse agonists. Effect of basal desensitization

In this report, we show that desensitization regulates ligand-independent, spontaneous activity of the human B2 bradykinin (BK) receptor, and the level of spontaneous receptor activity determines the action of the BK antagonists and partial receptor agonists NPC17731 and HOE140 as agonists or inverse agonists. Spontaneous receptor activity was monitored by measuring basal cellular phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis as a function of the density of the receptor in transiently transfected HEK293 cells. Minimal spontaneous activity of the wild-type B2 receptor was detected in these cells. Mutating a cluster of serines and threonines within the fourth intracellular domain of the receptor, which is critical for agonist-promoted desensitization, significantly increased the spontaneous receptor activity. BK, the natural B2 receptor ligand and, consequently, a full agonist, stimulated PI hydrolysis at high and low levels of spontaneous receptor activity. On the other hand, the partial agonists NPC17731 and HOE140 were stimulatory, or agonists, at the lower level of receptor activity but inhibitory, or inverse agonists, at the higher level of activity. These results show that receptors are desensitized in response to their spontaneous activity. Furthermore, these results, which refute traditional theories, show that the capacity of a drug to modulate a receptor response is not intrinsic to the drug but is also dependent on the cellular environment in which the drug acts.

Bradykinin antagonists: present progress and future prospects

Bradykinin (BK) antagonist peptides have been powerful tools for delineating roles of kinins in both normal and pathological physiology and offer promise of drug development for a variety of inflammatory conditions and cancers. At the present time, potent peptide antagonists are available that are either specific for BK B1 or B2 receptors, or are effective on both receptor classes. Non-peptide BK B2 antagonists are now being announced and are under investigation in several companies. The best peptide B1-B2 peptide antagonist is stable against all kininases, is orally available, and has a very long lifetime in vivo. Certain dimers of this antagonist, as well as several smaller molecules, are active against several cancers, both in vitro and in vivo.

Cyclic and linear bradykinin analogues: implications for B2 antagonist design

Bradykinin (BK, Arg-Pro-Pro-Gly-Phe-Ser-Pro-Phe-Arg) antagonists are potentially useful for treating inflammation, pain and severe trauma. To identify what chemical features might promote effective antagonism, we replaced Arg1 and Pro7 with structurally constrained and proteolytic-resistant residues, such as Bip (biphenylalanine), Dip (diphenylalanine) or 2Ind (indane amino acid). To determine which BK folding might lead to favourable interactions with receptors, the effects of cyclo(3,8) vs. cyclo(5,8) analogues were compared. The resulting BK analogues were examined for their agonistic and antagonistic activities in guinea pig ileum, rat uterus and depressor assays. The results suggest that co-planarity of the residue-7 side chain with its backbone NH is important for potent agonism as well as antagonism, and a D-directed side chain is crucial for antagonism. For residue-1 an L-orientation is important, and Dip1 may mimic a folded Arg1 side chain to elicit agonistic activities, with Bip1 mimicking an extended Arg1 side chain to elicit inhibitory activities. However, ileal and uterine receptors appear to prefer differently folded BK. For ileum, a BK conformation in which residues-3 and -8 are proximal to each other, but apart from residue-5, led to improved pA2.

Oral anti-inflammatory action of NPC 18884, a novel bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist

This study describes the anti-inflammatory actions of NPC 18884, a non-peptide bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist in bradykinin and carrageenan-induced inflammation in the mouse model of pleurisy. The selectivity of NPC 18884 was assessed in the pleurisy caused by histamine, substance P and des-Arg9-bradykinin. NPC 18884 given intraperitoneally or orally inhibited bradykinin-induced leukocytes influx (ID50 value of 63 nmol/kg and 141 nmol/kg, respectively). The NPC 18884 also inhibited the exudation induced by bradykinin (P < 0.05). NPC 18884 given either intraperitoneally or orally caused dose-dependent inhibition of the exudation and total and differential cell content caused by intrapleural injection of carrageenan (1%, assessed 4 h after), with mean ID50, values of 132 and 295 nmol/kg, respectively. The NPC 18884 actions installs rapidly (0.5 h), lasted for up to 4 h and were selective for the bradykinin B2 receptors; at similar doses it had no significant effect against the inflammatory responses induced by des-Arg9-bradykinin, histamine or substance P. These results indicate that the novel non-peptide bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist, NPC 18884, exhibited selective intraperitoneal and oral anti-inflammatory properties when assessed in the inflammatory reaction induced by bradykinin and carrageenan in the mice model of pleurisy.

New insights into the conformational requirements of B2 bradykinin antagonism

The conformational profiles of a selected group of a new series of small linear and cyclic penta- and hexapeptides, inspired on the C-terminal segment of second-generation bradykinin (BK) antagonists, were independently computed in order to assess the chemical and geometrical requirements necessary for BK antagonism. Specifically, four cyclic peptides: cyclo-(Gly-Thi-D-Tic-Oic-Arg), cyclo-(Gly-Ala-D-Tic-Oic-Arg), cyclo-(Abu-Ala-Ser-D-Tic-Oic-Arg), cyclo-(Abu-D-Phe-Ala-D-Tic-Oic-Arg), and a linear peptide: Thi-Ser-D-Tic-Oic-Arg were selected for the present study. The first three BK analogs are capable to antagonize kinin-induced rabbit jugular vein and rabbit aorta smooth muscle contraction, while last two show no detectable affinity for the BK B2 receptor. The conformational space of the five peptides was thoroughly explored using simulated annealing (SA) in an iterative fashion as sampling technique. The bioactive conformation was assessed by pairwise cross comparisons between each of the unique low energy conformations found for each of the different peptides studied within a 5 kcal/mol threshold in respect to the global minimum. The conformational profile of the highly potent BK antagonist HOE-140, computed in an independent study, was also used in conjunction with the bioactive form assessed in the present study, to propose a pharmacophore that includes the stereochemical requirements for B2 BK antagonism.

A single position in the third transmembrane domains of the human B1 and B2 bradykinin receptors is adjacent to and discriminates between the C-terminal residues of subtype-selective ligands

In order to identify agonist- and antagonist-binding epitopes in the human B1 and B2 bradykinin (BK) receptors, we exploited the ability of these receptors to discriminate between peptide ligands that differ only by the absence (B1) and presence (B2) of a C-terminal Arg. This was done by constructing chimeric proteins in which specific domains were exchanged between these receptors as recently described by us (Leeb, T., Mathis, S. A., and Leeb-Lundberg, L. M. F. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 311-317). The constructs were then expressed in HEK293 and A10 cells and assayed by radioligand binding and by agonist-stimulated inositol phospholipid hydrolysis and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. Substitution of the third transmembrane domain (TM-III) of the B1 receptor in the B2 receptor (B2(B1III)) dramatically reduced the affinities of B2-selective peptide ligands including both the agonist BK and the antagonist NPC17731. High affinity binding of both ligands to B2(B1III) was fully regained when one residue, Lys111, in TM-III of this chimera was replaced with the corresponding wild-type (WT) B2 receptor residue, Ser (B2(B1IIIS111)). Replacement of Ser111 with Lys in the WT B2 receptor decreased the affinities of BK and NPC17731 and increased the affinity of the B1-selective des-Arg10 analog of NPC17731, NPC18565. The results show that the C-terminal residue of peptide agonists and antagonists when bound to the B2 receptor is adjacent to Ser111 in the receptor. A Lys at this position, as is the case in the WT B1 receptor, provides a positive charge that repels the C-terminal Arg in B2-selective peptides and attracts the negative charge of the C terminus of B1-selective peptides, which lack the C-terminal Arg. Therefore, the residues at this one single position are crucial in determining the peptide selectivity of B1 and B2 BK receptors.

Effect of WIN 64338, a B2 bradykinin receptor antagonist on guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle cells in culture

This study investigated the effect of the non-peptidic B2 bradykinin (BK) receptor antagonist WIN 64338 on BK binding and BK-induced inositol phosphate formation on guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle cells in culture. The presence of specific and saturable binding sites for BK was demonstrated using [3H]BK. Scatchard analysis indicates a single population of binding sites for [3H]BK with a maximal density (Bmax) of 245.4 +/- 71 fmol/mg of protein and an equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of 87.7 +/- 0.12 pM. The order of potency of] B2 BK receptor ligands was Hoe 140 = NPC 17731 > BK > WIN 64338 > D- Arg0[Hyp3, D-Phe7]-BK > > des-Arg9-BK, while B1 BK receptor antagonist, des-Arg9-[Leu8]-BK, was without effect on [3H]BK binding. These results demonstrate the presence of B2 Bk receptors on cultured tracheal smooth muscle cells. The cells were stimulated by BK, and inositol phosphate formation was determined by anion exchange chromatography. The stimulating effect of BK on inositol phosphate formation was concentration dependent (1 nM to 10 microM). The B1 BK agonist des-Arg9-BK did not induce inositol phosphate formation. The order of potency of B2 antagonists to inhibit BK-induced inositol phosphate formation was Hoe 140 = NPC 17731 > WIN 64338 > D-Arg0[Hyp3, D-Phe7]-BK. This study demonstrates that WIN 64338 is able to displace [3H]BK binding and to inhibit B2-BK-induced inositol phosphate formation on cultured guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle cells.

Pro-inflammatory effects induced by bradykinin in a murine model of pleurisy

Bradykinin caused a dose-related increase in cell influx 4 h after its administration into the mouse pleural cavity (ED50 = 3.2 nmol/cav., 95% confidence limits = 0.6-15.5). Cell influx peaked at 4 h and remained elevated for up to 72 h, whereas exudation was detected between 2 and 6 h after bradykinin administration. Both HOE 140 (D-Arg-[Hyp3,Thi5,D-Tic7, Oic8]bradykinin) and NPC 17731 (D-Arg0-[Hyp3 D-HypE(transpropyl7)Oic8]bradykinin) inhibited bradykinin-induced cell influx (ID50 0.028 (0.05-0.16) and 0.4 (0.3-0.7) pmol/cav., respectively). Des-Arg9-[Leu8]bradykinin (0.1 and 3.0 nmol/cav., 30 min before) did not inhibit the effects of bradykinin. Pre-treatment of animals with either indomethacin, terfenadine, dexamethasone, N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine benzyl ester, cromolyn, theophylline, salbutamol, FK 888 (N2-[(4R)-4-hydroxy-1-(1-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)carbonyl-L-propyl]N-met hyl-N-phenyl-methyl-3-(2-naphthyl)-L-alaninamide) or SR 142801 ((N)-(1-[3-[1-benzoyl-3-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-piperidin-3-yl]pr opy l]-4-phenyl-piperidin-4-yl)-N-methyl-acetamide) significantly inhibited cell migration (P < 0.01). These results indicate that bradykinin had a significant pro-inflammatory effect on the pleural cavity of the mice. This effect seems to be primarily mediated via activation bradykinin B2 receptors which trigger the release of other mediators.

Conformational analysis of homochiral and heterochiral diprolines as beta-turn-forming peptidomimetics: unsubstituted and substituted models

The effect of replacing one of the proline residues in either unsubstituted homochiral or heterochiral diproline segments with either a 2- or a 3-substituted prolyl residue on the allowed conformational of the diproline template has been examined. In heterochiral (L-D) diprolines, placement of a 2-methyl-D-proline residue in the i + 2 position and placement of either a cis- or trans-3-methyl-L-proline residue in the i + 1 position results in substituted diproline peptides that adopt the same type II beta-turn conformation as that defined experimentally for the unsubstituted diproline peptides. In contrast, placement of a cis-3-methyl-D-proline residue in the i + 1 position of a homochiral (D-D) diproline peptide seems to promote a different conformation than that seen in the unsubstituted case, whereas the trans-3-methyl-D-proline residue seems to provide a stabilizing influence for the predicted type VI' beta-turn. The demonstrated ability of certain substituted diproline templates to adopt predictable conformations coupled with the development of asymmetric synthetic routes to both 2- and 3-substituted prolyl residues, capable of mimicking a variety of side chains should make these templates useful tools in designing specific turn mimics of biologically active molecules.

Potent, long-acting, orally-active bradykinin antagonists for a wide range of applications

Actions of bradykinin (Arg-Pro-Pro-Gly-Phe-Ser-Pro-Phe-Arg; BK) are mediated by constitutively expressed B2 receptors, that require the full BK peptide chain, and by B1 receptors, induced in inflammation, that use BK(1-8) as ligand. In addition to many physiological and pathophysiological functions, the growth factor activity of BK evidently allows it to act as an autocrine stimulant for small cell lung cancer. A new group of BK antagonists containing the novel amino acid a-(2-indanyl)glycine provides extremely potent broad-spectrum as well as selective antagonists for all these functions.

Stable expression of the human kinin B1 receptor in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Characterization of ligand binding and effector pathways

To delineate ligand binding and functional characteristics of the human B1 kinin receptor, a stable clone of Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing a single class of binding sites for [3H]des-Arg10-lysylbradykinin with a Kd of 0.3 nM and a Bmax of 38 fmol/mg protein ( approximately 40,000 receptors/cell) was isolated. Studies with peptide analogs showed that a lysine residue at position 1 (based on the lysylbradykinin sequence) of ligands was essential for high affinity binding to the human B1 receptor. In marked contrast to cloned Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing the human kinin B2 receptor, which internalized approximately 80% of the ligand within 5 min upon exposure to 2 nM [3H]bradykinin, exposure of cells expressing the B1 receptor to 1 nM [3H]des-Arg10-lysylbradykinin resulted in minimal ligand internalization. Stimulation of the B1 receptor led to inositol phosphate generation and transient increases in intracellular calcium, confirming coupling to phospholipase C, while immunoprecipitation of photoaffinity-labeled G-proteins from membranes indicated specific coupling of the receptor to Galphaq/11 and Galphai1,2. The B1, unlike the B2, receptor does not desensitize (as demonstrated by continuous phosphoinositide hydrolysis), enhancing the potential role of this receptor during inflammatory events.

The sixth transmembrane domains of the human B1 and B2 bradykinin receptors are structurally compatible and involved in discriminating between subtype-selective agonists

In order to investigate the molecular basis for the ability of the human B1 and B2 bradykinin (BK) receptor subtypes to discriminate between subtype-selective ligands, we constructed chimeric proteins in which the sixth transmembrane domains (TM-VI) of these receptors were exchanged. The pharmacological profiles of the constructs were analyzed by radioligand binding in particulate preparations of transiently transfected HEK293 cells using the agonist [3H]des-Arg10-kallidin and the antagonist [3H]NPC17731. The ability of these constructs to transmit an intracellular signal was measured in transiently transfected A10 cells, a vascular smooth muscle cell line, by single cell Ca2+ imaging. Substitution of B1 TM-VI into the B2 receptor (B2(B1VI)) dramatically reduced the affinity of the B2-selective agonist BK, whereas the affinity of the B2-selective antagonist NPC17731 was unaltered. High affinity BK binding was fully regained when two residues, Tyr259 and Ala263, near the extracellular surface of TM-VI in B2(B1VI), were replaced with the corresponding residues in the wild-type B2 receptor, which are Phe259 and Thr263. The construct B1(B2VI), produced by substitution of B2 TM-VI into the B1 receptor, did not support high affinity binding of the B1-selective agonist des-Arg10-kallidin. In contrast to BK and des-Arg10-kallidin, the binding of the less subtype-selective agonist kallidin showed little sensitivity to TM-VI exchange. These results show that TM-VI in the human B1 and B2 BK receptor subtypes, although only 36% identical, are structurally compatible. Furthermore, this domain contributes significantly to the ability of these receptors to discriminate between the subtype-selective agonists BK and des-Arg10-kallidin.

A new type of bradykinin B2 receptor antagonists: bradykinin analogs with N-alkyl amino acids at position 2

It is commonly assumed that bradykinin B2 receptor antagonists bind to a receptor site partially different from that for agonists. Thus, it is likely that there exists more than one key modification to convert bradykinin receptor agonists into antagonists. In this respect, [L-NMePhe2]-BK represents the basic structure of a new type of bradykinin B2 receptor antagonists without any replacement at position 7. This compound inhibits both in vitro bradykinin-induced contraction of the guinea pig lung strip and in vivo bradykinin-induced bronchoconstriction. Furthermore, this analog shows analgesic activity, blocks in a dose-dependent manner the bradykinin-induced Ca2+ release from macrophages and inhibits at a concentration of 10(-13) M the bradykinin-induced cytokine release from mononuclear cells. Combinations with structural modifications previously performed for other B2 receptor antagonists rather reduce than enhance the potency.

A new generation of bradykinin antagonists

Bradykinin B2 receptors are constitutively expressed, and require the entire peptide chain of bradykinin for recognition. Expression of B1 receptors is induced in inflammation; they recognize BK-(1-8). Heretofore blockade of all the actions of bradykinin required two different antagonists, one for each class of receptors. The new antagonists described here are full chain antagonists having high potency on B2 receptors, but they are also very potent antagonists for B1 receptors. They are highly resistant to kininases and show very long action in vivo. These antagonists contain the novel amino acid alpha-(2-indanyl)glycine (IgI) at positions 5 and 7. The peptide DArg-Arg-Pro-Hyp-Gly-Igl-Ser-DIgl-Oic-Arg (designated B9430) shows all these desirable characteristics. It represents a new class of bradykinin antagonist peptides.

Competitive and selective antagonistic action of NPC 17731 on bradykinin-induced relaxant and contractile responses of the guinea pig isolated ileum

1. The aim of the present study was to evaluate, by means of functional studies, the effect of the newly developed bradykinin (BK) receptor antagonist NPC 17731, D-Arg0, Arg1-Pro2-Hyp3-Gly4-Phe5-Ser6-[DHype (transpropyl)7]-Oic8-Arg9, against BK-mediated biphasic response in the guinea pig ileum "in vitro" (circular and longitudinal layers). 2. In the circular muscle, NPC 17731 (0.1-1000 nM) dose dependently and reversibly antagonized, with similar potency, both the contractile and relaxant responses caused by BK, as well as BK-induced contraction in longitudinal smooth muscle with IC50 of 23, 29 and 37 nM, respectively. 3. NPC 17731 (10-300 nM) also caused a concentration-dependent displacement to the right of BK-induced contraction and relaxant responses in the circular smooth muscle of guinea pig ileum, without changing BK maximal response. Schild plot analyses were linear (correlation close to 1), yielding pKb values of 8.89 +/- 0.19 and 8.73 +/- 0.18, respectively, and slopes not significantly different from unity, providing evidence that NPC 17731 acts as a pure B2 competitive receptor antagonist against both BK responses. 4. Similarly, NPC 17731 (3-100 nM) antagonized, in a graded and competitive manner, BK-induced contraction in longitudinal muscle from guinea pig ileum with a slope not different from unity, yielding a pKb value of 8.62 +/- 0.13. 5. These results indicate that the new B2 BK receptor antagonist NPC 17731 antagonizes, with high affinity and with similar potency through simple competitive and selective mechanisms, BK receptor-mediating contraction or relaxant responses in circular and longitudinal smooth muscles from guinea pig ileum. In addition, these results also suggest that although BK-induced contraction or relaxation responses in guinea pig ileum are coupled to distinct second messengers, NPC 17731 interacts with a homogeneous population of B2 receptors in both guinea pig ileum preparations.

The agonist binding site on the bovine bradykinin B2 receptor is adjacent to a sulfhydryl and is differentiated from the antagonist binding site by chemical cross-linking

Chemical cross-linking was used to analyze the binding sites for the agonist bradykinin (BK) and the antagonists NPC17731 and HOE140 on the bovine B2 bradykinin receptor. [3H]BK and [3H]NPC17731 bound with high affinity to the same B2 receptor in bovine myometrial membranes as determined by the total number of specific binding sites and pharmacological specificity of the binding of these two radioligands. Cross-linking experiments were done using a series of bifunctional reagents reactive either primarily to amines (homobifunctional) or reactive to amines in one end and to sulfhydryls in the opposite end (heterobifunctional). All the heterobifunctional reagents plus the homobifunctional arylhalide 1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene were effective in cross-linking the [3H]BK N terminus specifically to a sulfhydryl in the receptor, and this cross-linking occurred at 5-100 microM reagent. In contrast, the homobifunctional N-hydroxysuccinimide ester reagents, at < or = 1 mM, were only able to cross-link [3H]BK to membrane proteins nonspecifically. The sulfhydryl reagents N-ethylmaleimide, iodoacetamide, and phenylarsine oxide blocked cross-linking, whereas these reagents did not inhibit reversible specific [3H]BK binding. Immunoblotting with anti-BK antiserum revealed that low concentrations of BK (5-50 nM) were cross-linked to a receptor-specific species of 65 kDa. All cross-linking of [3H]NPC17731 was nonspecific with both homobifunctional and heterobifunctional reagents. The 65-kDa receptor-specific species was observed on anti-HOE140 immunoblots, but only when proteins were cross-linked with very high concentrations of HOE140 (> or = 500 nM). Our results provide direct biochemical evidence that the binding site for the agonist BK in the bovine B2 receptor is adjacent to a cysteine and is differentiated from the binding site(s) for the antagonists NPC17731 and HOE140.

New cyclic bradykinin antagonists containing disulfide and lactam bridges at the N-terminal sequence

Continuing our studies of the bioactive conformation of bradykinin (BK) antagonists, we synthesized a first series of analogues with side-chain cyclization in the N-terminal sequence. Through this conformational constraint it should be possible to gain insight into their three-dimensional structure. The cycles were proposed on the basis of existing ideas and hypotheses about the receptor bound conformation of BK and its antagonists. The reported peptides contain D-Phe at position 7 or D-Tic-Oic (D-Tetrahydroisoquinoline-3 -carboxyl-octahydroindole-2-carboxylic acid) at positions 7 and 8, respectively, and a disulfide or lactam bridge between positions 0 and 6. Syntheses, including cyclization reactions, were carried out on PAM resin. The biological activity of the lead compound [DPhe7]-BK, the linear precursors and the cyclic peptides, as estimated on isolated rat uterus, guinea pig ileum and lung strips, are in the same range. The conformational properties of the new cyclic analogues were studied through energy minimization on a model compound. The results of the calculations support the existence of low-energy structures containing a beta-turn. Therefore, such a turn in the N-terminal segment of the molecule can be proposed as an important structural feature of the bioactive conformation of BK antagonists.

Effects of WIN 64338, a nonpeptide bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist, on guinea-pig trachea

We investigated the effect of the nonpeptide bradykinin receptor antagonist, [[4-[[2-[[bis(cyclohexylamino)methylene] amino]-3-(2-naphthalenyl) 1-oxopropyl]amino]-phenyl]-tributyl, chloride, monohydrochloride (WIN 64338), on [3H]-bradykinin binding and on bradykinin-induced contraction of the guinea-pig trachea. This non peptide bradykinin receptor antagonist inhibited [3H]-bradykinin binding with a nanomolar range of affinity, Ki = 50.9 +/- 19 nM and inhibited bradykinin-induced contraction in a non-competitive manner with a KB value of 6.43 10(-8) +/- 2.34 10(-8) M.

Bradykinin B2 receptor antagonists: development and applications

Most physiological and pathophysiological responses to bradykinin are mediated by G-protein-coupled receptors designated B2 receptors. Discovery of antagonists for these receptors has brought about a revolution in research in the kinin field. The chemistry and development of antagonists for B2 kinin receptors are discussed. Uses of the antagonists in biomedical research and potential clinical applications are presented.

A CD and an NMR study of multiple bradykinin conformations in aqueous trifluoroethanol solutions

CD and nmr studies have been carried out on aqueous trifluoroethanol (TFE) solutions of bradykinin (BK) and a bradykinin antagonist. The CD results exhibit a striking effect of TFE on the spectra of BK, with sequence Arg-Pro-Pro-Gly-Phe-Ser-Pro-Phe-Arg, and the BK antagonist, with sequence D-Arg-Arg-Pro-Hyp-Gly-Thi-D-Ser-D-Cpg-Cpg-Arg [where Hyp is 4-hydroxy-L-proline; Thi refers to beta-(2-thienyl)-L-alanine and Cpg refers to alpha-cyclopentylglycine). The effect of increasing concentration of TFE in water on the difference ellipticity at 222 nm was examined and showed that BK may be a mixture of at least two different conformers, one of which largely forms when the TFE concentration is increased beyond 80%. The linear extrapolation of 100% of the difference ellipticity of BK at low TFE concentrations yields a value in agreement with that shown by the BK antagonist, indicating that the conformation of BK at the lower TFE concentrations is similar to that of the BK antagonist. The conformational analysis was carried out using both one-dimensional and two-dimensional 1H-nmr techniques. The total correlation spectroscopy (TOCSY) spectrum of BK in a 60/40% (v/v) TFE/H2O solution at 10 degrees C and a nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) spectrum that shows only sequential H alpha (i)-NH(i + 1) or the H alpha (i)-H delta delta' (i + 1) NOEs indicate that the majority of the molecules adopt an all-trans extended conformation. The TOCSY for BK in the 95/5% (v/v) TFE/H2O solution shows that there are two major conformations in the solution with about equal population. The NOESY experiment shows two new important cross peaks for one conformation, namely Pro2 (alpha)-Pro3 (alpha) and the Pro2 (alpha)-Gly4(NH), indicating a cis Pro2-Pro3 bond and a type VI beta-turn between residues Arg1 and Gly4 involving cis proline at position 3, respectively. The low temperature coefficient of Gly4 for this conformation suggests the presence of an intramolecular hydrogen bond, therefore a type VIa beta-turn is present. The other conformation is all trans and extended. The BK antagonist shows difference CD spectra in TFE solutions referred to H2O that are superficially indicative of a beta-bend.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Nmr and molecular modeling investigations of the neuropeptide bradykinin in three different solvent systems: DMSO, 9:1 dioxane/water, and in the presence of 7.4 mM lyso phosphatidylcholine micelles

The linear nonapeptide hormone bradykinin (Arg1-Pro2-Pro3-Gly4-Phe5-Ser6-Pro7-Phe8-Arg9) is involved, either directly or indirectly, in a wide variety of physiological processes, particularly pain and hyperanalgesia. Additional evidence suggests that bradykinin also plays a major role in inflammatory response, asthma, sepsis, and symptoms associated with the rhinoviral infection. It has long been speculated that a beta-turn at the C-terminus of bradykinin plays a major role in the biological activity of the neuropeptide. The beta-turn forming potential of bradykinin in three vastly different local chemical environments, DMSO, 9:1 dioxane/water, and in the presence of 7.4 mM lyso phosphatidylcholine micelles, was investigated using two-dimensional homonuclear nmr experiments coupled with simulated annealing calculations. The results of these investigations show that in all three systems residues 6-9 of the C-terminus adopt very similar beta-turn like structures. These results suggest that the beta-turn at the C-terminus of bradykinin is an important secondary structural feature for receptor recognition and binding.

Co-solubilization of bradykinin B2 receptors and angiotensin-converting enzyme from guinea pig lung membranes

Bradykinin B2 receptor-like binding activity was solubilized from guinea pig lung using the zwitterionic detergent 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulphonate (Chaps). The binding of [3H]bradykinin to the soluble fraction was time-dependent and saturable. Scatchard analysis of equilibrium binding data indicated that the soluble extract contained a single class of binding sites with a Kd of 696 pM and a Bmax of 57 fmol/mg protein. Unlabelled bradykinin and B2 antagonists inhibited the binding of [3H]bradykinin to Chaps-solubilized extracts with relative potencies similar to those observed with the low-affinity membrane-bound binding sites. Following partial purification of the soluble preparation, using anion exchange (DEAE-Sephacel) and gel filtration (Aca 34) column chromatography steps, two peaks eluted off the column were able to bind [3H]bradykinin and have molecular masses of 168 and 98.5 kDa. The former seems to represent binding of bradykinin to angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE, EC 3.4.15.1) and the latter binding to bradykinin receptor. Using purified commercial ACE, we show that the binding of [3H]bradykinin to ACE can easily be distinguished from that of the bradykinin receptor, since both B1 and B2 ligands were able to inhibit bradykinin binding with affinities clearly different from that expected for a bradykinin receptor.

Evidence for participation of B1 and B2 kinin receptors in formalin-induced nociceptive response in the mouse

1. This study was designed to investigate the role of bradykinin (BK), as well as the subtype of BK receptors involved, in formalin-induced hindpaw pain in the mouse by use of selective B1 and B2 receptor antagonists. In addition, we have analysed whether or not BK may be involved in formalin-induced hindpaw oedema in the mouse. 2. The pretreatment of animals with captopril (2 and 5 mg kg-1, s.c.) significantly increase the first and the second phases of formalin-induced pain. 3. Co-injection of the selective B1 receptor antagonist des-Arg9[Leu8]-BK (0.2-0.4 nmol/paw), together with formalin, caused graded and similar inhibitions of both phases of formalin-induced pain. Similar results were obtained with the B2 antagonists NPC 349 (D-Arg[Hyp3,Thi5,8-D-Phe7]-BK) and NPC 567 (D-Arg[Hyp3, D-Phe7]-BK) (0.2 and 0.6 nmol/paw). Higher concentrations of these antagonists (1 nmol/paw) failed to antagonize formalin-induced pain. 4. The new potent and selective B2 receptor antagonists, Hoe 140 (D-Arg[Hyp3,Thi5,D-Tic7,Oic8]-BK), NPC 17731 (D-Arg[Hyp3, trans-4-propoxy-D-proline (transpropyl)7, Oic8]-BK), and NPC 17761 (D-Arg[Hyp3, trans-4-propoxy-D-proline (trans thiophenyl)7, Oic8]-BK) (0.02 to 1.0 nmol/paw), also caused significant inhibitions of both phases of formalin-induced pain. When Hoe 140 was injected subcutaneously 30 min before formalin injection (9.9 and 99 nmol kg-1), it significantly attenuated both phases of formalin-induced pain. The putative non-peptide BK antagonist, MV 8612 (1.6 to 9.6 nmol/paw), but not MV 8608 (5.5 to 33 nmol/paw), caused a graded inhibition of both phases of formalin induced pain, being, however, more active against the first phase.5. The pretreatment of animals with morphine (2.6 to 13 micromol kg-1, s.c.) caused dose-dependent and equipotent inhibitions of both phases of formalin-induced pain. In contrast, in domethacin (2.7 to 27 micromol kg-1) antagonized only the second phase of formalin-induced pain.6. The B2 receptor antagonists, Hoe 140, NPC 17731, NPC 17761, NPC 349 and NPC 567, all caused a significant inhibition of formalin-induced hindpaw oedema. A similar inhibition was also observed within domethacin but not with captopril or morphine.7. Our results provide strong evidence for the important role of endogenous BK, acting through both B1 and B2 receptors, in the genesis of both phases of formalin-induced persistent pain in the mouse. In addition, the current results also demonstrate that the inflammatory oedema associated with the later phase of formalin-induced pain seems to be mediated by endogenous BK, via activation of B2 receptors.

Comparative action of new highly potent bradykinin receptor antagonists in the guinea-pig trachea

We investigated the effect of two new bradykinin receptor antagonists, D-Arg0[Hyp3,D-HypE(trans-propyl)7,Oic8]bradykinin (NPC 17731) and D-Arg0[Hyp3,D-HypE(trans-thiophenyl)7,Oic8]bradykinin (NPC 17761) on [3H]bradykinin binding and on bradykinin-induced contraction of the guinea-pig trachea. Both of these compounds inhibited [3H]bradykinin binding with an affinity similar to that of unlabelled bradykinin. NPC 17731 inhibited bradykinin-induced contraction in a non-competitive manner, whereas NPC 17761 showed competitive antagonism. Therefore, NPC 17761 could contribute to the investigation of the bradykinin receptors in guinea-pig airways.

Proton magnetic resonance studies of bradykinin antagonists

Bradykinin (BK) is a peptide hormone with sequence Arg1-Pro2-Pro3-Gly4-Phe5-Ser6-Pro7-Phe8-Arg9 and has been implicated in a multitude of pathophysiological processes such as the ability to lower systemic blood pressure and stimulate pain. BK analogues having bulky, beta-branched D-aliphatic residues at position 7 combined with bulky L-aliphatic residues at position 8 have now been observed to be strong antagonists. Conformational studies based on two-dimensional nmr experiments in methanol/water (80/20 v/v) were carried out on several such active antagonists in a polar solvent. Included in this study were the very active antagonists, [D-Arg0,Hyp3,Thi5,D-Cpg7,Cpg8]-BK [Cpg: alpha-cyclo-pentyl-glycine; Hyp: trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline; Thi: beta-(2-thienyl)-L-alanine] (I), [D-Arg0,Hyp3,D-Cpg7,Cpg8]-BK (II), as well as its variant with D-Cpg7 replaced by Cpg7, namely [D-Arg0,Hyp3,Cpg7,Cpg8]-BK (III). A turn-like structure, which coexists with the extended conformation, was observed between residues 2 and 5 for the most active antagonists I and II, in direct correlation with the peptide activities. No turn-like structure was found for residues 6-9. In peptide III, a turn-like structure was not identified. The existence of a turn at the C-terminal end of bradykinin and its analogues has been predicted by empirical calculations and supported by nmr measurements. But the present nmr study on the most active antagonists (I, II) does not support this hypothesis. Instead, the data suggest that a turn-like structure between residues 2 and 5 could be important for antagonist activity. Finally, one weak inhibitor [D-Cpg7]-BK (IV) showed no defined secondary structure.

A proton magnetic resonance study of two synthetic agonist-antagonist pairs of bradykinin analogues

The conformation of two agonist-antagonist pairs of bradykinin (Arg1-Pro2-Pro2-Gly4-Phe5-Ser6-Pro7-Phe8-Arg9) analogues were studied in CD3OH/H2O solution by 1H-nmr techniques. The first agonist peptide studied, D-Arg0-Arg1-Pro2-Hyp3-Gly4-Thi5-Ser6-Pro7- Thi8-Arg9, differs from the bradykinin sequence by the addition of D-Arg0, the replacement of the Phe moieties in positions 5 and 8 by Thi (Thi = beta-(2-thienyl)-L-alanine), and Hyp3 (Hyp = L-4-hydroxy-L-proline) in position 3. In the corresponding antagonist sequence, Pro7 is replaced by D-Phe7. The second agonist-antagonist pair studied does not contain the D-Arg0 residue, which is present only to slow down the rate of metabolism. Based on complete resonance assignments from two-dimensional total correlation spectroscopy and rotating frame nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy spectra at 500 MHz, the peptides were analyzed in terms of intraresidue, sequential, and medium-range nuclear Overhauser effects, amide proton temperature coefficients, and vicinal coupling constants. Both agonist peptides show clear evidence for the existence of a type I beta-turn comprising the C-terminal residues Ser6-Pro7-Thi8-Arg9 in fast conformational equilibrium with extended structures throughout. Although the conformational space is dominated by extended structures, the presence of the beta-turn is spectroscopically clearly discernible. The two antagonist peptides, on the other hand, do not show evidence of turn formation but rather the presence of an extended conformation with some irregularities in the N-terminal region of the peptide. While the existence of a turn at the C-terminal end of bradykinin and its analogues with agonist activity has been predicted by empirical calculations and measurements in very apolar solvents, this study, for the first time, provides evidence based on physical data in a polar solvent environment that the turn is present, that it is type I and that it is essential for agonist activity. In the particular solvent used in these studies, the Pro7 to D-Phe7 substitution precluded the formation of the turn for the C-terminal residues of the antagonist.

The kinin system in inflammation

Bradykinin and related kinins are important mediators of most kinds of inflammation. Mechanisms of kinin production in injury, infection and immune system activation are discussed. Bradykinin antagonists show great promise for development of new drugs for inflammation.

Design, synthesis and conformational analysis of gamma-turn peptide mimetics of bradykinin

Gamma-turns are regular secondary structure elements, found with some frequency in small peptides, that have been implicated in the biologically active conformations of several systems. This report describes the design, synthesis and conformational analysis of a non-peptide gamma-turn mimetic. Low energy conformations of the mimetic system exhibit good conformational agreement with an experimentally observed peptide gamma-turn. The mimetics were incorporated into the nonapeptide bradykinin, for which a gamma-turn, formed by residues Ser 6 to Phe 8, has been hypothesized to be a bioactive conformation. The results indicate that a bioactive conformation of bradykinin may include a reverse turn at this position.

Recent developments in the understanding of bradykinin receptors

The dramatic activities of bradykinin and related peptides as mediators of pain, inflammation and hypotension have been intensely studied for several decades. More recently, the involvement of bradykinin in regulation of ion transport by epithelia, hormone release from endocrine organs, energy metabolism, tissue growth, and leukocyte activation have become topics of study. Kininogen precursors, synthetic kallikreins, and degradative kininases have been characterized in detail with regard to catalytic mechanisms, physical structure and gene regulation; however, the actual receptors for bradykinin are still only poorly understood. This situation is caused by the lack of availability of potent, specific receptor antagonists. However, specific bradykinin receptor antagonists became available in 1985, and several very potent classes of agents are now available; also, the first bradykinin receptor has been cloned.