Synthesis and neuroleptic activity of benzamides. Cis-N-(1-benzyl-2-methylpyrrolidin-3-yl)-5-chloro-2-methoxy-4-(methylamino)benzamide and related compounds

The role of the methoxy group in approved drugs

The methoxy substituent is prevalent in natural products and, consequently, is present in many natural product-derived drugs. It has also been installed in modern drug molecules with no remnant of natural product features because medicinal chemists have been taking advantage of the benefits that this small functional group can bestow on ligand-target binding, physicochemical properties, and ADME parameters. Herein, over 230 methoxy-containing small-molecule drugs, as well as several fluoromethoxy-containing drugs, are presented from the vantage point of the methoxy group. Biochemical mechanisms of action, medicinal chemistry SAR studies, and numerous X-ray cocrystal structures are analyzed to identify the precise role of the methoxy group for many of the drugs and drug classes. Although the methoxy substituent can be considered as the hybridization of a hydroxy and a methyl group, the combination of these functionalities often results in unique effects that can amount to more than the sum of the individual parts.

Synthesis of triarylphosphines from arylammonium salts via one-pot transition-metal-free C-P coupling

A nucleophilic aromatic substitution (S_NAr) reaction that allowed transition-metal-free C-P bond construction via C-N bond cleavage was developed. The coupling between aryltrimethylammonium salts and secondary phosphines from the in situ reduction of diarylphosphine oxides led to the formation of diverse triarylphosphines with various functional groups. This one-pot process was not only a pertinent S_NAr precedent but also a favorable transition-metal-free alternative for C-P coupling.

Recent advances in the application of ring-closing metathesis for the synthesis of unsaturated nitrogen heterocycles

This short review summarizes recent advances relating to the application of ring-closing olefin-olefin and carbonyl-olefin metathesis reactions towards the synthesis of unsaturated five- and six-membered nitrogen heterocycles. These developments include catalyst modifications and reaction designs that will enable access to more complex nitrogen heterocycles.

Concise, Protecting-Group-Free Synthesis of (+)-Nemonapride via Eu(OTf)3-Catalyzed Aminolysis of 3,4-Epoxy Alcohol

A concise, protecting-group-free synthesis of the antipsychotic agent (+)-nemonapride has been achieved featuring a europium(III) trifluoromethanesulfonate (Eu(OTf)₃)-catalyzed C4 selective aminolysis of a 3,4-epoxy alcohol by benzylamine and an expedient use of the resulting 4-benzylamino-1,3-diol product for constructing the pyrrolidine skeleton.

Crystal structure of 2-(bromomethyl)-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-tosylpyrrolidine, C18H19BrClNO2S2

C18H19BrClNO2S2, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 21.324(6) Å, b = 5.8597(16) Å, c = 14.966(4) Å, β = 95.558(5)°, V = 1861.2(9) Å3, Z = 4, R gt (F) = 0.0454, wR ref (F 2) = 0.1258, T = 296(2) K.

General entry to asymmetric one-pot [N + 2 + n] cyclization for the synthesis of three- to seven-membered azacycloalkanes

Enantio- and diastereoselective one-pot synthesis of three- to seven-membered cis-azaheterocycles was achieved using a triggered asymmetric conjugate addition reaction of lithium amide with an enoate, followed by alkylation of the resulting lithium enolate with α,ω-dihaloalkane and N-alkylation. Isomerization of cis-azaheterocycles with a base yielded the trans-product, constituting a one-pot synthesis of cis-azacycles and a two-step synthesis of trans-azacycles. The four-step asymmetric synthesis of nemonapride highlights the general utility of the method.

Access to optically active 3-azido- and 3-aminopiperidine derivatives by enantioselective ring expansion of prolinols

The activation of N-alkyl prolinols by XtalFluor E allowed the formation of an aziridinium intermediate that can react with tetrabutylammonium azide (nBu(4)NN(3)) to produce 3-azidopiperidines and/or 2-(azidomethyl)pyrrolidines, in a ratio up to 100/0. These 3-azidopiperidines can be reduced to the corresponding 3-aminopiperidines.

Heterobimetallic transition metal/rare earth metal bifunctional catalysis: a Cu/Sm/Schiff base complex for syn-selective catalytic asymmetric nitro-Mannich reaction

The full details of a catalytic asymmetric syn-selective nitro-Mannich reaction promoted by heterobimetallic Cu/Sm/dinucleating Schiff base complexes are described, demonstrating the effectiveness of the heterobimetallic transition metal/rare earth metal bifunctional catalysis. The first-generation system prepared from Cu(OAc)(2)/Sm(O-iPr)(3)/Schiff base 1a = 1:1:1 with an achiral phenol additive was partially successful for achieving the syn-selective catalytic asymmetric nitro-Mannich reaction. The substrate scope and limitations of the first-generation system remained problematic. After mechanistic studies on the catalyst prepared from Sm(O-iPr)(3), we reoptimized the catalyst preparation method, and a catalyst derived from Sm(5)O(O-iPr)(13) showed broader substrate generality as well as higher reactivity and stereoselectivity compared to Sm(O-iPr)(3). The optimal system with Sm(5)O(O-iPr)(13) was applicable to various aromatic, heteroaromatic, and isomerizable aliphatic N-Boc imines, giving products in 66-99% ee and syn/anti = >20:1-13:1. Catalytic asymmetric synthesis of nemonapride is also demonstrated using the catalyst derived from Sm(5)O(O-iPr)(13).

Catalytic asymmetric phase-transfer Michael reaction and Mannich-type reaction of glycine Schiff bases with tartrate-derived diammonium salts

Catalytic asymmetric Michael and Mannich-type reactions of glycine Schiff bases with chiral two-center organocatalysts, tartrate-derived diammonium salts (TaDiASs), are described. On the basis of conformational studies, optimized TaDiASs with a 2,6-disubstituted cyclohexane spiroacetal were newly designed. These TaDiASs catalyzed the asymmetric Michael and Mannich-type reactions of glycine Schiff bases with higher enantioselectivity than previous catalysts. In the Mannich-type reaction, aromatic N-Boc-protected imines (Boc = tert-butoxycarbonyl) as well as enolizable alkyl imines were applicable. As a synthetic application of the catalytic asymmetric Mannich-type reaction with the optimized TaDiASs, we developed a catalytic asymmetric total synthesis of (+)-nemonapride, which is an antipsychotic agent.

Palladium-Mediated N-Arylation of Heterocyclic Diamines: Insights into the Origin of an Unusual Chemoselectivity

The chemoselectivity of the palladium-mediated reaction of bromobenzene with various heterocyclic diamines was studied. Whatever the ligand used, 3-aminopyrrolidine underwent arylation of the secondary amine function (>82%), whereas the more flexible 3-aminoazepinine was arylated on its primary function (>70%). The ratio "arylation of primary amine versus arylation of secondary amine" of 3-aminopiperidine with bromobenzene varied from 90:10 (BINAP, electron-enriched and hindered biphenyls L2 or L3) to 32:68 with the Josiphos-type ligand L10. The same trend was observed when 4-aminopiperidine was used (82:18 with L2 and 17:83 with L10). This selectivity can be tuned by the choice of aryl halide partners having different steric and electronic properties. A cooperative effect of both nitrogens of diamines during the reaction was deduced from competitive experiments. Finally, 13C and 31P NMR experiments, carried out with 3-aminopyrrolidine at room temperature, support a fast coordination of the primary amine to the metal. Indeed, a palladium complex resulting from the unusual displacement of one phosphane group of the intermediate ArPdX(BINAP) by the primary amino group was characterized.

3-Aminopyrrolidines via Ring Rearrangement of 2-Aminomethylazetidines. Synthesis of (−)-Absouline

[reaction: see text] A new entry to enantiopure 3-aminopyrrolidines was developed using a boron trifluoride-mediated rearrangement of 2-aminomethylazetidines. The method is quite general and produces rearranged products in good yield regardless of both substitution pattern and relative stereochemistry of the starting material. A concise stereocontrolled synthesis of (-)-absouline was achieved on the basis of this new method.

Chirospecific and subtype selective dopamine receptor binding of heterocyclic methoxynaphthamide analogs

Employing the D(3) and D(4) selective methoxynaphthalines nafadotride and FAUC 182, respectively, as lead compounds, the pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine-3-carboxamides of type 1a and 2a as well as their 2-substituted regioisomers 1b and 2b were synthesized when following an ex-chiral pool approach. Dopamine receptor binding studies involving the target compounds (1a,b, 2a,b) and the respective optical antipodes ent-1a,b and ent-2a,b revealed the heterocyclic carboxamide 2a as a strong and selective D(4) ligand (K(i) = 8.6 nM). According to a mitogenesis assay, 2a shows D(4) partial agonist effects (29%, EC(50) = 6.7 nM) and, thus, might be of interest for the treatment of sexual dysfunction.

5-(2-aminoethyl)dibenzo[c,h][1,6]naphthyridin-6-ones: variation of n-alkyl substituents modulates sensitivity to efflux transporters associated with multidrug resistance

5H-8,9-dimethoxy-5-(2-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl)-2,3-methylenedioxydibenzo[c,h][1,6]naphthyridin-6-one (ARC-111) has potent TOP1-targeting activity and pronounced antitumor activity. Several analogues of ARC-111 were synthesized with NH2, N-alkyl, N,N-dialkyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, and piperazinyl substituents at the 2-position of the 5-ethyl group. The relative TOP1-targeting activity and cytotoxicity of these structural analogues were assessed in RPMI8402 and P388 tumor cells and their camptothecin-resistant variants CPT-K5 and P388/CPT45, respectively. Potent TOP1-targeting activity was retained within a series of mono N-alkyl analogues that included NHCH2CH3, NHCH(CH3)2, and NHC(CH3)3. TOP1-targeting activity was diminished by the presence of a N-benzyl moiety. In a comparison of a series of N-alkyl-N-isopropyl analogues, activity decreased in the order CH3 > CH2CH3 > CH(CH3)2. Cytotoxicity in RPMI8402 and P388 did correlate with TOP1-targeting activity. Cytotoxic activity was also determined in KB3-1 cells and its variants KB/V-1 and KBH5.0. As KB/V-1 cells overexpress MDR1 and KBH5.0 cells overexpress BCRP, decreased cytotoxicity in these cell lines relative to the parent cell line is indicative of compounds that are substrates for these efflux transporters. In view of their diminished cytotoxicity in KB/V-1 cells, it appears that the likely demethylated metabolites of ARC-111, i.e., where NH2 or NHCH3 replaces the N(CH3)2 at the 2-position of the 5-ethyl substituent, are substrates for MDR1. In contrast, no significant difference in cytotoxicity among these three cell lines was observed with other N-alkyl analogues, including NHC2H5, NHCH(CH3)2, NHC(CH3)3, N(CH3)2, N(CH2CH3)2, NCH3(CH(CH3)2), and either the pyrrolidinyl or the piperidinyl analogues. The 2-(piperazinyl) analogues were associated with diminished cytotoxicity in KB/V-1 cells, suggesting that the second basic amino substituent is associated with their recognition as substrates by MDR1. Comparative studies on the antitumor activity of ARC-111 and its N-demethylated derivatives (the NHCH3 and NH2 analogues) against SJ-BT45 medulloblastoma xenografts in scid mice revealed that the secondary amine metabolite is at least as active as ARC-111 in vivo, although the primary amine derivative was significantly less potent.

Palladium-Mediated Arylation of 3-Aminopiperidines and 3-Aminopyrrolidines

This paper describes the palladium-catalyzed arylation of 1-substituted 3-aminopyrrolidines or piperidines. Palladium(0) (1-2 mol %) in conjunction with "Buchwald's ligand" [2-(dimethylamino)-2'-(dicyclohexylphosphine)biphenyl] was shown to be the catalyst of choice for the coupling with aryl bromides or chlorides. When bromobenzene was used, a strong temperature effect was noticed. Whereas no reaction occurred at 100 degrees C, yields higher than 85% were obtained at 130 degrees C for each substrate. Such an effect was not observed when diphosphines were used. Whereas Xantphos and, to a lesser extent BINAP, were moderately efficient in the coupling of all diamines, the palladium-mediated arylation in the presence of monophosphines was strongly dependent on the substrate. The results suggest the participation of both nitrogens of the aminoheterocycle in the reactive intermediate. This participation could also account for the highly selective arylation of the endocyclic nitrogen of unsubstituted 3-aminopyrrolidine or piperidine. Optimal conditions were found for the arylation using 2- or 4-substituted electron-poor or enriched aryl halides.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of 4-amino-5-chloro-N-(1,4-dialkylhexahydro-1,4-diazepin-6-yl)-2-methoxybenzamide derivatives, novel and potent serotonin 5-HT3 and dopamine D2 receptors dual antagonist

In search of a dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT3 receptors dual antagonist as a potential broad antiemetic agent, a number of benzamides were prepared from 4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid derivatives and 6-amino-1,4-dialkylhexahydro-1,4-diazepines and evaluated for their binding affinity for the dopamine D2 and the serotonin 5-HT3 receptors using rat brain synaptic and rat cortical membranes, respectively. From the results of both in vitro receptor binding and in vivo biological assays for the dopamine D2 receptor, 1-ethyl-4-methylhexahydro-1,4-diazepine ring was selected as an optimum amine moiety. Introduction of one methyl group on the nitrogen atom at the 4-position and/or modification of the substituent at the 5-position of the 4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxybenzoyl moiety caused a marked increase in the dopamine D2 receptor binding affinity along with a potent 5-HT3 receptor binding affinity. Among the compounds, 5-chloro-N-(1-ethyl-4-methylhexahydro-1,4-diazepin-6-yl)-2-methoxy-4-methylaminobenzamide (82), 5-bromo (110), and 5-iodo (112) analogues exhibited a much higher affinity for the dopamine D2 receptor than that of metoclopramide (IC50=17.5-61.0 nM vs. 483 nM). In particular, 82 showed a potent antagonistic activity for both receptors in vivo tests. Optical resolution of the racemate 82 brought about a dramatic change in the pharmacological profile with the (R)-enantiomer exhibiting a strong affinity for both the dopamine D2 and the 5-HT3 receptors, while the corresponding (S)-enantiomer had a potent and selective serotonin 5-HT3 receptor binding affinity.

Synthetic analogue of the [Fe(2)(mu-OH)(2)(mu-O(2)CR)](3+) core of soluble methane monooxygenase hydroxylase via synthesis and dioxygen reactivity of carboxylate-bridged diiron(II) complexes

We describe the synthesis and dioxygen reactivity of diiron(II) tetracarboxylate complexes [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(N,N-Me(2)en)(2)] (2) and [Fe(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(N,N-Bn(2)en)(2)] (6), where Ar(Tol)CO(2)(-) = 2,6-di(p-tolyl)benzoate. These complexes were prepared as models for the diiron(II) center in the hydroxylase component of soluble methane monooxygenase (MMOH). Compound 6 reacts with dioxygen to afford PhCHO in approximately 60(5)% yield, following oxidative N-dealkylation of the pendant benzyl group on the diamine ligand. The diiron(III) complex [Fe(2)(mu-OH)(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(O(2)CAr(Tol))(3)(N-Bnen)(N,N-Bn(2)en)] (8) was isolated from the reaction mixture. The 4.2 K Mössbauer spectrum of 8 displays a single quadrupole doublet with parameters delta = 0.48(2) mm s(-1) and Delta E(Q) = 0.61(2) mm s(-1). The [Fe(2)(mu-OH)(2)(mu-O(2)CR)](3+) core structure in 8 matches that of the fully oxidized form of MMOH. The conversion of 6 to 8 closely parallels the chemistry of MMOH in which an O(2)-derived oxygen atom is inserted into the C-H bond of methane. Several reaction pathways are considered to account for this novel chemical transformation, and these are compared with mechanistic frameworks previously developed for related cytochrome P450 and copper(I) dioxygen chemistry.

Sterically hindered carboxylate ligands support water-bridged dimetallic centers that model features of metallohydrolase active sites

The synthesis and characterization of carboxylate-bridged dimetallic complexes are described. By using m-terphenyl-derived carboxylate ligands, a series of dicobalt(II), dicobalt(III), dinickel(II), and dizinc(II) complexes were synthesized. The compounds are [Co(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)L(2)] (1), [Co(2)(mu-OH(2))(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)L(2)] (2a-c), [Co(2)(mu-OH)(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)L(2)] (3), [Ni(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(4)L(2)] (4), [Ni(2)(mu-HO...H)(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)L(2)] (5), and [Zn(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)(O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)L(2)] (6), where Ar(Tol)CO(2)H = 2,6-di(p-tolyl)benzoic acid and L = pyridine, THF, or N,N-dibenzylethylenediamine. Structural analysis of these complexes revealed that additional bridging ligands can be readily accommodated within the [M(2)(mu-O(2)CAr(Tol))(2)](2+) core, allowing a wide distribution of M...M distances from 2.5745(6) to 4.0169(9) A. Unprecedented bridging units [M(2)(mu-OH(2))(2)(mu-O(2)CR)(2)](n+) and [M(2)(mu-HO...H)(2)(mu-O(2)CR)(2)](n+) were identified in 2a-c and 5, respectively, in which strong hydrogen bonding accommodates shifts of protons from bridging water molecules toward the dangling oxygen atoms of terminal monodentate carboxylate groups. Such a proton shift along the O...H...O coordinate attenuates the donor ability of the anionic carboxylate ligand, which can translate into increased Lewis acidity at the metal centers. Such double activation of bridging water molecules by a Lewis acidic metal center and a metal-bound general base may facilitate the reactivity of metallohydrolases such as methionine aminopeptidase (MAP).

trans-1-[(2-Phenylcyclopropyl)methyl]-4-arylpiperazines: mixed dopamine D(2)/D(4) receptor antagonists as potential antipsychotic agents

The dopaminergic receptor profile of a series of trans-1-[(2-phenylcyclopropyl)methyl]-4-arylpiperazines was examined. Aromatic substitution patterns were varied with the goal of identifying a compound having affinities for the D(2) and D(4) receptors in a ratio similar to that observed for the atypical neuroleptic clozapine. The compounds (1S, 2S)-trans-1-[(2-phenylcyclopropyl)methyl]-4-(2, 4-dichlorophenyl)piperazine (5m) and (1S, 2S)-trans-1-[(2-phenylcyclopropyl)methyl]-4-(2, 4-dimethylphenyl)piperazine (5t) were selected for functional antagonists at D(2) and D(4) receptors and had a D(2)/D(4) ratio approximating that of clozapine; they proved inactive in behavioral tests of antipsychotic activity.

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of carboxamide derivatives as selective serotoninergic 5-HT(4) receptor agonists

A number of new carboxamide derivatives were synthesized. The affinity of these compounds for the serotoninergic 5-HT(4) receptor was evaluated by use of radioligand-binding techniques. The agonistic activity was evaluated as the contractile effect of the ascending colon isolated from guinea-pigs. Among these compounds, 4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxy-N-[1-[2-[(methylsulfonyl)amino]ethly]-4-piperidinylmethyl]benzamide (24) showed a high affinity for the 5-HT(4) receptor (Ki = 9.6 nM). Compound 24 displayed a higher affinity for 5-HT(4) receptors than the other receptors, including, 5-HT(3) and dopamine D(2) receptors. In addition, compound 24 was confirmed to be a potent 5-HT(4) receptor agonist (ED(50) = 7.0 nM). An interaction model between compound 24 and 5-HT(4) receptor was proposed.

Enantio- and diastereocontrolled dopamine D1, D2, D3 and D4 receptor binding of N-(3-pyrrolidinylmethyl)benzamides synthesized from aspartic acid

Subreceptor selectivity tuning of N-(3-pyrrolidinyl)benzamides leading to the selective dopamine D3 ligand ent1h and the derivatives 1g and 1e/ent1e which preferably recognize human D2 or D4 receptors, respectively, is described. Binding profiles were controlled by both, absolute and relative configuration. The enantiopure target compounds were synthesized from aspartic acid.

Dopamine D2 receptor dimers in human and rat brain

In order to determine whether dimers of dopamine D2 receptors can occur in mammalian brain, rat and human brain striatal membranes were photolabelled with two radioactive photoaffinity compounds selective for dopamine D2 receptors, [125I]azidophenethylspiperone and [125I]-4-azido-5-iodonemonapride. It was found that [125I]azidophenethylspiperone only labelled the D2 monomer, while [125I]-4-azido-5-iodonemonapride labelled both D2 monomers and dimers, despite the fact that very high concentrations (6 nM) of both radiocompounds were used. In addition, human cloned D2 receptors were probed with a D2-specific antibody, revealing multiple bands indicating the existence of trimers, tetramers and pentamers of D2 receptors. The different D2-binding patterns of the spiperone and benzamide congeners may explain the different densities of dopamine D2 receptors found with these two radioligands in human brain positron tomography in health and disease.

In vitro pharmacological profile of YM-43611, a novel D2-like receptor antagonist with high affinity and selectivity for dopamine D3 and D4 receptors

1. We investigated some neurochemical properties of a novel benzamide, YM-43611, [(S)-N-(1-benzyl-3-pyrrolidinyl)-5-chloro-4-cyclopropylcarbonylamino+ ++-2- methoxybenzamide] in comparison with putative D2-like receptor antagonists using both rat and human cloned dopamine D2-like receptors in vitro. 2. Receptor binding studies revealed that YM-43611 had appropriately potent affinities for both rat and human D2-like receptors, with moderate selectivity for D3 receptors and high selectivity for D4 receptors over D2 receptors (Ki values (nM) for rat receptors: D2, 165; D3, 35.5; D4, 1.85, and for human receptors: D2, 42.9; D3, 11.2; D4, 2.10). 3. YM-43611 displayed weak or negligible affinity for other neurotransmitter receptors, namely D1, D5, alpha(1), alpha(2), beta, 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT3, H1, M1 and M2 receptors. 4. Dopamine stimulated low-Km GTPase activity on membranes from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing the human D2-like receptor subtype. This response to dopamine of low-Km GTPase activity was inhibited by use of putative D2-like receptor antagonists. YM-43611 showed a moderate selectivity for D3 receptors (Ki = 45.5 nM) and a high selectivity for D4 receptors (Ki = 3.28 nM) over D2 receptors (Ki = 70.6 nM). 5. Dopamine inhibited forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase in intact CHO cells expressing the human D2-like receptor subtype. YM-43611 shifted the inhibition curve of dopamine on respective D2-like receptor subtype-mediated cyclic AMP formation to the right in a parallel fashion, showing a pA2 value of 7.42 (38.1 nM) for D2 receptors, a pKB value of 8.06 (8.68 nM) for D3 receptors, and a pA2 value of 8.42 (3.77 nM) for D4 receptors. 6. YM-43611 but not the other D2-like receptor antagonists exhibited good selectivity with respect to dual antagonism for D3 and D4 receptors in both receptor binding and functional assays. 7. These results indicate that YM-43611 is a novel D2-like receptor antagonist with high potency and selectivity for both D3 and D4 receptors. YM-43611 is therefore expected to be valuable in exploration of the physiological role of D3 and D4 receptors.

Synthesis, in vitro binding profile and biodistribution of a 125I-labeled N-benzyl pyrrolidinyl benzamide derivative: a potential radioligand for mapping dopamine D2 receptors

cis-N-(1-Benzyl-2-methylpyrrolidine-3-yl)-5-iodo-2-methoxy-4-(methylamin o) benzamide (IYM), a YM-09151-2 analog iodinated at the 5-position of the benzoyl moiety, was synthesized and evaluated as a potential radiopharmaceutical for investigating brain dopamine D2 receptors by single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT). [125I]IYM was synthesized by a halogen exchange reaction and purified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). An in vitro competitive binding study with [3H]spiperone using rat striatal synaptosomal membranes revealed that IYM had higher affinity for dopamine D2 receptors than did YM-09151-2 or spiperone. In a saturation binding study using rat striatal synaptosomal membranes, IYM had a Kd of 0.04 nM. Biodistribution studies in mice disclosed that [125I]IYM exhibited high and specific striatal uptake, with the striatal/cerebellar uptake ratio being 14 at 120 min after injection. Furthermore, the striatal uptake of [125I]IYM was saturable, and [125I]IYM was displaced only by dopaminergic compounds. Ex vivo autoradiographic studies in rats further confirmed the high uptake and retention of this agent in the striatum and total blockade of its uptake by YM-09151-2. Thus, IYM showed specific binding to dopamine D2 receptors in the rodent striatum and therefore holds great potential for use in in vivo dopamine D2 receptor studies.

Long-term haloperidol elevates dopamine D4 receptors by 2-fold in rats

Chronic treatment of rats with neuroleptics results in elevated numbers of dopamine D2-like receptors. The present study was done to determine whether neuroleptics altered the density of one type of dopamine D2-like receptors, namely the dopamine D4 receptor. We here describe the effect of a one-month treatment with haloperidol on dopamine D4 receptor mRNA and protein levels in rat striatum. Endogenous levels of dopamine D4 receptor mRNA in rat striatum are very low and, therefore, reverse transcription and subsequent amplification were used for quantification. Dopamine D4 receptor density was, because of the absence of a dopamine D4 receptor specific [3H]ligand, determined by the difference between the number of binding sites for [3H]nemonapride and [3H]raclopride. Scatchard analysis of [3H]nemonapride and [3H]raclopride binding show that treatment for one month with halperidol elevates the density of dopamine D4 receptors in rat striatum by approximately 2-fold, whereas dopamine D2 and D3 receptors together show a 19% higher receptor density. Dopamine D4 receptor mRNA was also approximately increased by 2-fold.

The cloned dopamine D2 receptor reveals different densities for dopamine receptor antagonist ligands. Implications for human brain positron emission tomography

Since [3H]emonapride ([3H]YM-09151-2), a benzamide neuroleptic, consistently detects more dopamine D2 receptors than [3H]spiperone in the same tissue, we tested whether this property was inherent in the cloned dopamine D2 receptor. We found that the density of dopamine D2 receptors labelled by [3H]emonapride was 1.5-fold to 2-fold (mean of 1.8-fold) higher than the density of dopamine D2 receptors labelled by [3H]spiperone in cells expressing cloned dopamine D2 receptors (either the short form (from rat) or the long form (from human)), matching similar findings in anterior pituitary tissue (rat or pig) or in post-mortem human caudate nucleus tissue. The situation was similar for another benzamide, [3H]raclopride, which revealed 1.3-fold to 1.8-fold (mean of 1.5-fold) more binding sites than that for [3H]spiperone in cell membranes containing cloned dopamine D2 receptors. The apparently different dopamine D2 receptor densities revealed by these two types of 3H-ligands (i.e. [3H]spiperone and the [3H]benzamides), therefore, arise from an inherent property of the dopamine D2 receptor protein. These findings for the cloned dopamine D2 receptor, therefore, partly explain the higher dopamine D2 receptor density measured in human brain (by positron emission tomography) when using radioactive raclopride compared to results using radioactive methylspiperone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amphetamine and cocaine induce drug-specific activation of the c-fos gene in striosome-matrix compartments and limbic subdivisions of the striatum

Amphetamine and cocaine are stimulant drugs that act on central monoaminergic neurons to produce both acute psychomotor activation and long-lasting behavioral effects including addiction and psychosis. Here we report that single doses of these drugs induce rapid expression of the nuclear proto-oncogene c-fos in the forebrain and particularly in the striatum, an extrapyramidal structure implicated in addiction and in long-term drug-induced changes in motor function. The two drugs induce strikingly different patterns of c-fos expression in the striosome-matrix compartments and limbic subdivisions of the striatum, and their effects are pharmacologically distinct, although both are sensitive to dopamine receptor blockade. We propose that differential activation of immediate-early genes by psychostimulants may be an early step in drug-specific molecular cascades contributing to acute and long-lasting psychostimulant-induced changes in behavior.

Preparation of [11C]- and [125I]IMB: a dopamine D-2 receptor antagonist

A new dopamine D-2 receptor ligand, N-[2-(N'-4-iodobenzyl-N'-methyl)aminoethyl]-5-chloro-2-methoxy-4- (methylamino)benzamide (IMB) was synthesized and labelled with 11C and 125I at high specific activities. Both radiotracers were prepared by alkylation reactions with [11C]iodomethane and [125I]4-iodobenzyl bromide and appropriate 2 degrees amine precursors. Isolated radiochemical yields of 12-20% for [11C]IMB and 35-50% for [125I]IMB were achieved in 24 and 130-150 min respectively. [11C]IMB and [123I]IMB may prove suitable for a direct comparison of PET and SPECT in the localization and quantification of neuroreceptors.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of a new benzamide neuroleptic drug in rats, dogs and monkeys using a stable isotope technique

Comparative pharmacokinetics of a new benzamide neuroleptic drug, cis-N-(1-benzyl-2-methylpyrrolidine-3-yl)-5-chloro-2-methoxy-4-met hylamino benzamide (NBND) was studied in rats, dogs and monkeys using two deuterium-labelled compounds. NBND and 2H3-NBND, which showed no biological isotope effect, were co-administered p.o. and i.v. to rats, dogs and monkeys, and the plasma concentrations of unchanged drugs were simultaneously determined by g.l.c.-chemical ionization mass spectrometry with 2H7-NBND as an internal standard. The plasma half-lives (t1/2 beta) after i.v. administration were 1.6, 4.7 and 2.2 h in rats, dogs and monkeys at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg. Plasma clearances were 4.3, 1.7 and 1.4 l/h per kg in rats, dogs and monkeys. Absorption rate constants (Kab) were 1.1, 0.58 and 0.54 per h in rats, dogs and monkeys, at doses of 10, 3 and 5 mg/kg, respectively. Absolute bioavailabilities were 0.8, 9.5 and 1.3% in rats, dogs and monkeys, suggesting that all these species showed large first-pass effects, probably due to hepatic metabolism.