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Chintala SM, Tateiwa H, Qian M, Xu Y, Amtashar F, Chen ZW, Kirkpatrick CC, Bracamontes J, Germann AL, Akk G, Covey DF, Evers AS. Direct measurements of neurosteroid binding to specific sites on GABA A receptors. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38978389 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Neurosteroids are allosteric modulators of GABAA currents, acting through several functional binding sites although their affinity and specificity for each site are unknown. The goal of this study was to measure steady-state binding affinities of various neurosteroids for specific sites on the GABAA receptor. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Two methods were developed to measure neurosteroid binding affinity: (1) quenching of specific tryptophan residues in neurosteroid binding sites by the neurosteroid 17-methylketone group, and (2) FRET between MQ290 (an intrinsically fluorescent neurosteroid) and tryptophan residues in the binding sites. The assays were developed using ELIC-α1GABAAR, a chimeric receptor containing transmembrane domains of the α1-GABAA receptor. Tryptophan mutagenesis was used to identify specific interactions. KEY RESULTS Allopregnanolone (3α-OH neurosteroid) was shown to bind at intersubunit and intrasubunit sites with equal affinity, whereas epi-allopregnanolone (3β-OH neurosteroid) binds at the intrasubunit site. MQ290 formed a strong FRET pair with W246, acting as a site-specific probe for the intersubunit site. The affinity and site-specificity of several neurosteroid agonists and inverse agonists was measured using the MQ290 binding assay. The FRET assay distinguishes between competitive and allosteric inhibition of MQ290 binding and demonstrated an allosteric interaction between the two neurosteroid binding sites. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The affinity and specificity of neurosteroid binding to two sites in the ELIC-α1GABAAR were directly measured and an allosteric interaction between the sites was revealed. Adaptation of the MQ290 FRET assay to a plate-reader format will enable screening for high affinity agonists and antagonists for neurosteroid binding sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satyanarayana M Chintala
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Hiroki Tateiwa
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Kochi Medical School, Kochi, Japan
| | - Mingxing Qian
- Department of Developmental Biology (Pharmacology), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Yuanjian Xu
- Department of Developmental Biology (Pharmacology), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Fatima Amtashar
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Zi-Wei Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | - John Bracamontes
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Allison L Germann
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Gustav Akk
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Douglas F Covey
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Kochi Medical School, Kochi, Japan
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Alex S Evers
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Kochi Medical School, Kochi, Japan
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Das R, Ragagnin G, Sjöstedt J, Johansson M, Haage D, Druzin M, Johansson S, Bäckström T. Medroxyprogesterone acetate positively modulates specific GABA A-receptor subtypes - affecting memory and cognition. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 141:105754. [PMID: 35395561 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is a progestin widely used in humans as hormone replacement therapy and at other indications. Many progestin metabolites, as the progesterone metabolite allopregnanolone, have GABAA-receptor modulatory effects and are known to affect memory, learning, appetite, and mood. In women, 4 years chronic treatment with MPA doubles the frequency of dementia and in rats, MPA causes cognitive impairment related to the GABAergic system. Activation of the membrane bound GABAA receptor results in a chloride ion flux that can be studied by whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiological recordings. The purpose of this study was to clarify the modulatory effects of MPA and specific MPA metabolites, with structures like known GABAA-receptor modulators, on different GABAA-receptor subtypes. An additional aim was to verify the results as steroid effects on GABA response in single cells taken from rat hypothalamus. HEK-293 cell-lines permanently expressing the recombinant human GABAA-receptor subtype α1β2γ2L or α5β3γ2L or α2β3γ2S were created. The MPA metabolites 3α5α-MPA,3β5α-MPA and 3β5β-MPA were synthesised and purified for electrophysiological patch-clamp measurements with a Dynaflow system. The effects of MPA and tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone were also studied. None of the studied MPA metabolites affected the responses mediated by α1β2γ2L or α5β3γ2L GABAA receptors. Contrary, MPA clearly acted both as a positive modulator and as a direct activator of the α5β3γ2L and α2β3γ2S GABAA receptors. However, in concentrations up to 10 μM, MPA was inactive at the α1β2γ2L GABAA receptor. In the patch-clamp recordings from dissociated cells of the preoptic area in rats, MPA increased the amplitude of responses to GABA. In addition, MPA alone without added GABA, evoked a current response. In conclusion, MPA acts as a positive modulator of specific GABAA receptor subtypes expressed in HEK cells and at native GABA receptors in single cells from the hypothalamic preoptic area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshni Das
- Department of Integrative medical biology, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden; Umecrine AB, Norrlands University Hospital Umeå, Building 6 M 4th floor, Sweden
| | - Gianna Ragagnin
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical sciences, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jessica Sjöstedt
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical sciences, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Maja Johansson
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical sciences, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden; Umecrine AB, Norrlands University Hospital Umeå, Building 6 M 4th floor, Sweden
| | - David Haage
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical sciences, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden; Department of Nursing Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden; Umecrine AB, Norrlands University Hospital Umeå, Building 6 M 4th floor, Sweden
| | - Michael Druzin
- Department of Integrative medical biology, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Staffan Johansson
- Department of Integrative medical biology, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Torbjörn Bäckström
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical sciences, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden; Umecrine AB, Norrlands University Hospital Umeå, Building 6 M 4th floor, Sweden.
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Sun S, Wesolowski SS. Biologically active metabolites in drug discovery. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 48:128255. [PMID: 34245850 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.128255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Biologically active metabolites are a valuable resource for development of drug candidates and lead structures for drug design. This digest highlights a selection of biologically active metabolites that have been used as new chemical entities for development or as lead structures for drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyi Sun
- Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc, 200-3650 Gilmore Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 4W8, Canada.
| | - Steven S Wesolowski
- Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc, 200-3650 Gilmore Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 4W8, Canada
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Progesterone, 5a-dihydropogesterone and allopregnanolone's effects on seizures: A review of animal and clinical studies. Seizure 2018; 63:26-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Sun S, Fu J. Methyl-containing pharmaceuticals: Methylation in drug design. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2018; 28:3283-3289. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2018.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Tsai SE, Lee JC, Uramaru N, Takayama H, Huang GJ, Wong FF. Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of 3α-hydroxyl-3β-methoxymethyl-5α-pregnan-20-one with a C-21 hydrophilic substituent. HETEROATOM CHEMISTRY 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/hc.21372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shuo-En Tsai
- School of Pharmacy; China Medical University; Taichung Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program for Biotech Pharmaceutical Industry; China Medical University; Taichung Taiwan
| | - Jang-Chang Lee
- School of Pharmacy; China Medical University; Taichung Taiwan
| | - Naoto Uramaru
- Department of Environmental Science; Nihon Pharmaceutical University; Komuro Inamachi Kit-adachi-gun; Saitama-ken Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Takayama
- Department of Environmental Science; Nihon Pharmaceutical University; Komuro Inamachi Kit-adachi-gun; Saitama-ken Japan
| | - Guan-Jhong Huang
- School of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources; College of Biopharmaceutical and Food Sciences; China Medical University; Taichung Taiwan
| | - Fung Fuh Wong
- School of Pharmacy; China Medical University; Taichung Taiwan
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Savechenkov PY, Chiara DC, Desai R, Stern AT, Zhou X, Ziemba AM, Szabo AL, Zhang Y, Cohen JB, Forman SA, Miller KW, Bruzik KS. Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of neurosteroid photoaffinity ligands. Eur J Med Chem 2017; 136:334-347. [PMID: 28505538 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.04.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Neuroactive steroids are potent positive allosteric modulators of GABAA receptors (GABAAR), but the locations of their GABAAR binding sites remain poorly defined. To discover these sites, we synthesized two photoreactive analogs of alphaxalone, an anesthetic neurosteroid targeting GABAAR, 11β-(4-azido-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzoyloxy)allopregnanolone, (F4N3Bzoxy-AP) and 11-aziallopregnanolone (11-AziAP). Both photoprobes acted with equal or higher potency than alphaxalone as general anesthetics and potentiators of GABAAR responses, left-shifting the GABA concentration - response curve for human α1β3γ2 GABAARs expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and enhancing [3H]muscimol binding to α1β3γ2 GABAARs expressed in HEK293 cells. With EC50 of 110 nM, 11-AziAP is one the most potent general anesthetics reported. [3H]F4N3Bzoxy-AP and [3H]11-AziAP, at anesthetic concentrations, photoincorporated into α- and β-subunits of purified α1β3γ2 GABAARs, but labeling at the subunit level was not inhibited by alphaxalone (30 μM). The enhancement of photolabeling by 3H-azietomidate and 3H-mTFD-MPAB in the presence of either of the two steroid photoprobes indicates the neurosteroid binding site is different from, but allosterically related to, the etomidate and barbiturate sites. Our observations are consistent with two hypotheses. First, F4N3Bzoxy-AP and 11-aziAP bind to a high affinity site in such a pose that the 11-photoactivatable moiety, that is rigidly attached to the steroid backbone, points away from the protein. Second, F4N3Bzoxy-AP, 11-aziAP and other steroid anesthetics, which are present at very high concentration at the lipid-protein interface due to their high lipophilicity, act via low affinity sites, as proposed by Akk et al. (Psychoneuroendocrinology2009, 34S1, S59-S66).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Y Savechenkov
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 South Wood Street (M/C 781), Chicago, IL 60612-7231, USA
| | - David C Chiara
- Department of Neurobiology, 220 Longwood Avenue, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rooma Desai
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 32 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Alexander T Stern
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 32 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Xiaojuan Zhou
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 32 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Alexis M Ziemba
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 32 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Andrea L Szabo
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 32 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Yinghui Zhang
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 32 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jonathan B Cohen
- Department of Neurobiology, 220 Longwood Avenue, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Stuart A Forman
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 32 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Keith W Miller
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 32 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, 220 Longwood Avenue, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Karol S Bruzik
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 South Wood Street (M/C 781), Chicago, IL 60612-7231, USA.
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Martinez Botella G, Salituro FG, Harrison BL, Beresis RT, Bai Z, Shen K, Belfort GM, Loya CM, Ackley MA, Grossman SJ, Hoffmann E, Jia S, Wang J, Doherty JJ, Robichaud AJ. Neuroactive Steroids. 1. Positive Allosteric Modulators of the (γ-Aminobutyric Acid)A Receptor: Structure-Activity Relationships of Heterocyclic Substitution at C-21. J Med Chem 2015; 58:3500-11. [PMID: 25799373 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Neuroactive steroids (NASs) have been shown to impact central nervous system (CNS) function through positive allosteric modulation of the GABA(A) receptor (GABA(A)-R). Herein we report the effects on the activity and pharmacokinetic properties of a series of nor-19 pregnanolone analogues bearing a heterocyclic substituent at C-21. These efforts resulted in the identification of SGE-516, a balanced synaptic/extrasynaptic GABA(A) receptor modulator, and SGE-872, a selective extrasynaptic GABA(A) receptor modulator. Both molecules possess excellent druglike properties, making them advanced leads for oral delivery of GABA(A) receptor modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesco G Salituro
- †SAGE Therapeutics, 215 First Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Boyd L Harrison
- †SAGE Therapeutics, 215 First Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | | | - Zhu Bai
- §WuXi AppTec, 288 Fute Zhong Road, Shanghai, China 200131
| | - Kaisheng Shen
- ‡Shanghai Chempartner, 998 Halei Road, Shanghai, China 201203
| | - Gabriel M Belfort
- †SAGE Therapeutics, 215 First Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Carlos M Loya
- †SAGE Therapeutics, 215 First Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Michael A Ackley
- †SAGE Therapeutics, 215 First Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Scott J Grossman
- †SAGE Therapeutics, 215 First Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Ethan Hoffmann
- †SAGE Therapeutics, 215 First Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Shiling Jia
- ‡Shanghai Chempartner, 998 Halei Road, Shanghai, China 201203
| | - Jiamiao Wang
- ‡Shanghai Chempartner, 998 Halei Road, Shanghai, China 201203
| | - James J Doherty
- †SAGE Therapeutics, 215 First Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Albert J Robichaud
- †SAGE Therapeutics, 215 First Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
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Hogenkamp DJ, Tran MB, Yoshimura RF, Johnstone TB, Kanner R, Gee KW. Pharmacological profile of a 17β-heteroaryl-substituted neuroactive steroid. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:3517-24. [PMID: 24682501 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3494-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE In order to improve upon the pharmacological properties of the neuroactive steroid ganaxolone, it was used as the starting point in the design of novel neurosteroids that replace the 17β-acetyl side chain with an isoxazole bioisostere. OBJECTIVES UCI-50027 (3-[3α-hydroxy-3β-methyl-5α-androstan-17β-yl]-5-(hydroxymethyl)isoxazole) was designed as an orally active neuroactive steroid specifically targeted at the gamma-aminobutyric acid(A) receptor (GABAAR). METHODS UCI-50027 was tested in vitro in Xenopus oocytes expressing human GABAARs and in vivo as an anticonvulsant, for ataxic effects and for anxiolytic activity. RESULTS In vitro, UCI-50027 dose-dependently enhanced the activity of GABA at human α1β2γ2L, α2β1γ2L, and α4β3δ GABAARs. Consistent with its action as a positive allosteric modulator (PAM), it had no direct activity in the absence of GABA. UCI-50027 protected against acute pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced convulsions with an ED50 of 6 mg/kg p.o. In the rotarod (RR) paradigm in mice, the AD50 (the ataxic dose where half of the animals fail the RR test) was found to be 38 mg/kg p.o., giving a therapeutic index (TI = RR AD50/PTZ ED50)∼6 versus 2.8 for ganaxolone. In the mouse-elevated plus maze (EPM) model for anxiety, UCI-50027 showed a minimum effective dose (MED) ≤0.3 mg/kg p.o. Thus, the TI (TI = RR AD50/EPM MED) for the compound as an anxiolytic is ≥127 versus 3.3 for ganaxolone. CONCLUSIONS UCI-50027 is an orally active neuroactive steroid with pharmacological activity consistent with a GABAAR PAM that has an improved separation between anticonvulsant/anxiolytic and rotarod effects, potent activity as an anticonvulsant and anxiolytic when compared to ganaxolone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derk J Hogenkamp
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
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Slavíková B, Bujons J, Matyáš L, Vidal M, Babot Z, Krištofíková Z, Suñol C, Kasal A. Allopregnanolone and pregnanolone analogues modified in the C ring: synthesis and activity. J Med Chem 2013; 56:2323-36. [PMID: 23421641 DOI: 10.1021/jm3016365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
(25R)-3β-Hydroxy-5α-spirostan-12-one (hecogenin) and 11α-hydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (11α-hydroxyprogesterone) were used as starting materials for the synthesis of a series of 11- and 12-substituted derivatives of 5ξ-pregnanolone (3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one and 3α-hydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one), the principal neurosteroid acting via γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). These analogues were designed to study the structural requirements of the corresponding GABAA receptor. Their biological activity was measured by in vitro test with [(3)H]flunitrazepam as radioligand in which allopregnanolone and its active analogues stimulated the binding to the GABAA receptor. Analysis of the SAR data suggests dependence of the flunitrazepam binding activity on the hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance of the groups at the C-ring edge rather than on specific interactions between them and the receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Slavíková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
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Davies DL, Bortolato M, Finn DA, Ramaker MJ, Barak S, Ron D, Liang J, Olsen RW. Recent advances in the discovery and preclinical testing of novel compounds for the prevention and/or treatment of alcohol use disorders. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2012; 37:8-15. [PMID: 22671690 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2012.01846.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2012] [Accepted: 03/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol abuse and dependence have a staggering socioeconomic impact, yet current therapeutic strategies are largely inadequate to treat these disorders. Thus, the development of new strategies that can effectively prevent alcohol use disorders (AUDs) is of paramount importance. Currently approved medications attempt to deter alcohol intake by blocking ethanol metabolism or by targeting the neurochemical systems downstream of the cascades leading to craving and dependence. Unfortunately, these medications have provided only limited success as indicated by the continued high rates of alcohol abuse and alcoholism. The lack of currently available effective treatment strategies is highlighted by the urgent call by the NIAAA to find new and paradigm-changing therapeutics to either prevent or treat alcohol-related problems. This mini-review highlights recent findings from 4 laboratories with a focus on compounds that have the potential to be novel therapeutic agents that can be developed for the prevention and/or treatment of AUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daryl L Davies
- School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
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Ramaker MJ, Ford MM, Fretwell AM, Finn DA. Alteration of ethanol drinking in mice via modulation of the GABA(A) receptor with ganaxolone, finasteride, and gaboxadol. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2011; 35:1994-2007. [PMID: 21649668 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2011.01551.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurosteroids and other γ-aminobutyric acid(A) (GABA(A) ) receptor-modulating compounds have been shown to affect ethanol intake, although their mechanism remains unclear. This study examined how patterns of 24-hour ethanol drinking in mice were altered with the synthetic GABAergic neurosteroid ganaxolone (GAN), with an inhibitor of neurosteroid synthesis (finasteride [FIN]), or a GABA(A) receptor agonist with some selectivity at extrasynaptic receptors (gaboxadol HCL [THIP]). METHODS Male C57BL/6J mice had continuous access to a 10% v/v ethanol solution (10E) or water. Using lickometer chambers, drinking patterns were analyzed among mice treated in succession to GAN (0, 5, and 10 mg/kg), FIN (0 or 100 mg/kg), and THIP (0, 2, 4, 8, and 16 mg/kg). RESULTS GAN shifted drinking in a similar but extended manner to previous reports using low doses of the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (ALLO); drinking was increased in hour 1, decreased in hours 2 and 3, and increased in hours 4 and 5 postinjection. THIP (8 mg/kg) and FIN both decreased 10E drinking during the first 5 hours postinjection by 30 and 53%, respectively, while having no effect on or increasing water drinking, respectively. All 3 drugs altered the initiation of drinking sessions in a dose-dependent fashion. FIN increased and GAN decreased time to first lick and first bout. THIP (8 mg/kg) decreased time to first lick but increased time to first bout and attenuated first bout size. CONCLUSIONS The present findings support a role for the modulation of ethanol intake by neurosteroids and GABA(A) receptor-acting compounds and provide hints as to how drinking patterns are shifted. The ability of THIP to alter 10E drinking suggests that extrasynaptic GABA(A) receptors may be involved in the modulation of ethanol intake. Further, the consistent results with THIP to that seen previously with high doses of ALLO suggest that future studies should further examine the relationship between neurosteroids and extrasynaptic GABA(A) receptors, which could provide a better understanding of the mechanism by which neurosteroids influence ethanol intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia J Ramaker
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.
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Zhang Z, Wang L, Bian X, Sun Q, Xu H, Wang C. First Synthesis of a C-Homosteroid from Pregn-4-ene-3,11,20-trione. Helv Chim Acta 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/hlca.201000132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Abstract
Neurosteroids represent a class of endogenous steroids that are synthesized in the brain, the adrenals, and the gonads and have potent and selective effects on the GABAA-receptor. 3α-hydroxy A-ring reduced metabolites of progesterone, deoxycorticosterone, and testosterone are positive modulators of GABA(A)-receptor in a non-genomic manner. Allopregnanolone (3α-OH-5α-pregnan-20-one), 5α-androstane-3α, 17α-diol (Adiol), and 3α5α-tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone (3α5α-THDOC) enhance the GABA-mediated Cl(-) currents acting on a site (or sites) distinct from the GABA, benzodiazepine, barbiturate, and picrotoxin binding sites. 3α5α-P and 3α5α-THDOC potentiate synaptic GABA(A)-receptor function and activate δ-subunit containing extrasynaptic receptors that mediate tonic currents. On the contrary, 3β-OH pregnane steroids and pregnenolone sulfate (PS) are GABA(A)-receptor antagonists and induce activation-dependent inhibition of the receptor. The activities of neurosteroid are dependent on brain regions and types of neurons. In addition to the slow genomic action of the parent steroids, the non-genomic, and rapid actions of neurosteroids play a significant role in the GABA(A)-receptor function and shift in mood and memory function. This review describes molecular mechanisms underlying neurosteroid action on the GABA(A)-receptor, mood changes, and cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingde Wang
- Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Umeå UniversityUmeå, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Mingde Wang, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Umeå University, 901 85 Umeå, Sweden. e-mail:
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15
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Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of neurosteroids, especially their impact on the brain, sex differences and their therapeutic potentials. Neurosteroids are synthesized within the brain and rapidly modulate neuronal excitability. They are classified as pregnane neurosteroids, such as allopregnanolone and allotetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone, androstane neurosteroids, such as androstanediol and etiocholanolone, and sulfated neurosteroids such as pregnenolone sulfate. Neurosteroids such as allopregnanolone are positive allosteric modulators of GABA-A receptors with powerful anti-seizure activity in diverse animal models. Neurosteroids increase both synaptic and tonic inhibition. They are endogenous regulators of seizure susceptibility, anxiety, and stress. Sulfated neurosteroids such as pregnenolone sulfate, which are negative GABA-A receptor modulators, are memory-enhancing agents. Sex differences in susceptibility to brain disorders could be due to neurosteroids and sexual dimorphism in specific structures of the human brain. Synthetic neurosteroids that exhibit better bioavailability and efficacy and drugs that enhance neurosteroid synthesis have therapeutic potential in anxiety, epilepsy, and other brain disorders. Clinical trials with the synthetic neurosteroid analog ganaxolone in the treatment of epilepsy have been encouraging. Neurosteroidogenic agents that lack benzodiazepine-like side effects show promise in the treatment of anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doodipala Samba Reddy
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, TX, USA.
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16
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Calogeropoulou T, Avlonitis N, Minas V, Alexi X, Pantzou A, Charalampopoulos I, Zervou M, Vergou V, Katsanou ES, Lazaridis I, Alexis MN, Gravanis A. Novel dehydroepiandrosterone derivatives with antiapoptotic, neuroprotective activity. J Med Chem 2009; 52:6569-87. [PMID: 19845386 DOI: 10.1021/jm900468p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
DHEA analogues with modifications at positions C3 or C17 were synthesized and evaluated for neuroprotective activity against the neural-crest-derived PC12 cell model of serum deprivation-induced apoptosis. The most potent compounds were the spiro-epoxy derivatives 17beta-spiro[5-androstene-17,2'-oxiran]-3beta-ol (20), (20S)-3beta,21-dihydroxy-17beta,20-epoxy-5-pregnene (23), and (20R)-3beta,21-dihydroxy-17alpha,20-epoxy-5-pregnene (27) with IC(50) values of 0.19 +/- 0.01, 99.0 +/- 4.6, and 6.4 +/- 0.3 nM, respectively. Analogues 20, 23, and 27, up to the micromolar range of concentrations, were unable to activate estrogen receptor alpha and beta (ERalpha and ERbeta) or to interfere with ER-dependent gene expression significantly. In addition, they were unable to stimulate the growth of Ishikawa, MCF-7, and LNCaP cells. Our results suggest that the spiro-epoxyneurosteroid derivatives 20, 23, and 27 may prove to be lead molecules for the synthesis of novel neuroprotective agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodora Calogeropoulou
- Institute of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue 11635, Athens, Greece.
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17
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Runyon SP, Orr M, Navarro HA, Kepler JA, Rogawski MA, Kaminski RM, Cook CE. 17beta-Nitro-5alpha-androstan-3alpha-ol and its 3beta-methyl derivative: neurosteroid analogs with potent anticonvulsant and anxiolytic activities. Eur J Pharmacol 2009; 617:68-73. [PMID: 19577558 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2009.06.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2009] [Revised: 06/22/2009] [Accepted: 06/25/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Many 17-substituted androstan-3alpha-ol analogs act as positive allosteric modulators of GABA(A) receptors and exert anticonvulsant and anxiolytic-like activity actions in animal models. The endogenous neurosteroid allopregnanolone (17beta-acetyl; 1) is among the most potent of these. Here we demonstrate that 3alpha-hydroxy-17beta-nitro-5alpha-androstane (2b) and its 3beta-methyl analog (3alpha-hydroxy-3beta-methyl-17beta-nitro-5alpha-androstane; 2c) modulate GABA(A) receptors as assessed by [(35)S]t-butylbicyclo-phosphorothionate and [(3)H]flunitrazepam binding with potencies equivalent to or greater than 1. These compounds also had potencies equivalent to or greater than 1 in the pentylenetetrazol and 6Hz seizure models in the mouse. Furthermore, 2b exhibited anxiolytic-like activity in the elevated zero maze. The 3beta-hydroxy, 3alpha-desmethyl analog (2a) was devoid of activity on GABA(A) receptors in vitro but had moderate activity in the seizure models, possibly as a result of epimerization in vivo at the 3-position. This conclusion was supported by the lack of in vivo activity of the 3beta-hydroxy, 3alpha-methyl analog (2d), which is not expected to undergo epimerization. We conclude that nitro can serve as a bioisostere for acetyl at the 17beta-position of 5alpha-androstan-3alpha-ol, such that the nitro analog fully retains the bioactivity of the endogenous neurosteroid at GABA(A) receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott P Runyon
- Center for Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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18
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Scaglione JB, Jastrzebska I, Krishnan K, Li P, Akk G, Manion BD, Benz A, Taylor A, Rath NP, Evers AS, Zorumski CF, Mennerick S, Covey DF. Neurosteroid analogues. 14. Alternative ring system scaffolds: GABA modulatory and anesthetic actions of cyclopenta[b]phenanthrenes and cyclopenta[b]anthracenes. J Med Chem 2008; 51:1309-18. [PMID: 18275132 DOI: 10.1021/jm701128r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Although the structural features of binding sites for neuroactive steroids on gamma-aminobutryic acid type A (GABA A) receptors are still largely unknown, structure-activity studies have established a pharmacophore for potent enhancement of GABA A receptor function by neuroactive steroids. This pharmacophore emphasizes the importance of the position and stereochemistry of hydrogen-bonding groups on the steroid. However, the importance of the steroid ring system in mediating hydrophobic interactions with the GABA A receptor is unclear. We have taken the cyclopenta[ b]phenanthrene (tetracyclic compounds with a nonlinear ring system different from that of steroids) and cyclopenta[ b]anthracene (tetracyclic molecules with a linear 6-6-6-5 carbocyclic ring system) ring systems and properly substituted them to satisfy the pharmacophore requirements of the critical hydrogen-bond donor and acceptor groups found in neuroactive steroids. We have found these cyclopenta[ b]phenanthrene and cyclopenta[ b]anthracene analogues to have potent activity at the GABA A receptor, rivaling that of the most potent steroid modulators. Single-channel analysis of electrophysiological data indicates that similarly substituted analogues in the different ring systems affect the kinetic components of macroscopic currents in different ways. Mutations to the hydrogen bonding amino acids at the putative steroid binding site (alpha1Q241L mutation and alpha1N407A/Y410F double mutation) produce similar effects on macroscopic current amplitude by the different ring system analogues suggesting that the different kinetic effects are explained by the precise interactions of each analogue with the same binding site(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie B Scaglione
- Department of Molecular Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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19
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Hogenkamp DJ, Johnstone TBC, Huang JC, Li WY, Tran M, Whittemore ER, Bagnera RE, Gee KW. Enaminone Amides as Novel Orally Active GABAA Receptor Modulators. J Med Chem 2007; 50:3369-79. [PMID: 17571865 DOI: 10.1021/jm070083v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A series of enaminone esters and amides have been developed as potent allosteric modulators of gamma-aminobutyric acidA (GABAA) receptors. The compounds bind to a novel modulatory site that is independent of the benzodiazepine (BZ), isosteric GABA, and neuroactive steroid binding sites. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies resulted in the synthesis of the c-Bu amide 16h with an in vitro potency of 7 nM based on inhibition of [35S]TBPS binding. The activity of the enaminones as positive allosteric modulators was confirmed with electrophysiological measurements in oocytes expressing alpha1beta2gamma2L GABAA receptors. The i-Pr, s-Bu, c-Pr, and c-Bu amides (16e-h) were orally active in mice with profound central nervous system depressant effects. The i-Pr amide 16e was an orally active anxiolytic in the mouse light-dark paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derk J Hogenkamp
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Med Surge 2, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA.
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20
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Wong FF, Chen CY, Chen TH, Huang JJ, Fang HP, Yeh MY. Synthesis of 3alpha-hydroxy-21-(1'-imidazolyl)-3beta-methoxyl-methyl-5alpha-pregnan-20-one via lithium imidazole with 17alpha-acetylbromopregnanone. Steroids 2006; 71:77-82. [PMID: 16246385 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2005.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2005] [Revised: 06/15/2005] [Accepted: 08/17/2005] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The synthesis of biologically active 3alpha-hydroxyl-21-(1'-imidazolyl)-3beta-methoxymethyl-5alpha-pregnan-20-one was accomplished in six steps. The key steps were the improvement of stereoselectivity for acetyl isomers in C-17 and the introduction of imidazole into the core structure by use of lithium imidazole. This latter key step provided the desired product in 82% yield without the formation of 1,3-disubstituted imidazolium salt as impurity, which is generally observed in traditional method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fung Fuh Wong
- Environmental Resource Management Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, No. 500, Sec. 3, An-Ming Rd., Tainan City, Taiwan 709, ROC.
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21
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Souli C, Avlonitis N, Calogeropoulou T, Tsotinis A, Maksay G, Bíró T, Politi A, Mavromoustakos T, Makriyannis A, Reis H, Papadopoulos M. Novel 17β-Substituted Conformationally Constrained Neurosteroids that Modulate GABAA Receptors. J Med Chem 2005; 48:5203-14. [PMID: 16078839 DOI: 10.1021/jm050271q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to develop a series of allopregnanolone analogues substituted by conformationally constrained 17beta side chains to obtain additional information about the structure-activity relationship of 5alpha-reduced steroids to modulate GABA(A) receptors. Specifically, we introduced alkynyl-substituted 17beta side chains in which the triple bond is either directly attached to the 17beta-position or to the 21-position of the steroid skeleton. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of C22 and C20 modification. The in vitro binding affinity for the GABA(A) receptor of the new analogues was measured by allosteric displacement of the specific binding of [(3)H]4'-ethynyl-4-n-propyl-bicycloorthobenzoate (EBOB) to GABA(A) receptors on synaptosomal membranes of rat cerebellum. An allosteric binding model that has been successfully applied to ionotropic glycine receptors was employed. The most active derivative is (20R)-17beta-(1-hydroxy-2,3-butadienyl)-5alpha-androstane-3-ol (20), which possesses low nanomolar potency to modulate cerebellar GABA(A) receptors and is 71 times more active than the control compound allopregnanolone. Theoretical conformational analysis was employed in an attempt to correlate the in vitro results with the active conformations of the most potent of the new analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charikleia Souli
- Institute of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece
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22
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Zeng CM, Manion BD, Benz A, Evers AS, Zorumski CF, Mennerick S, Covey DF. Neurosteroid analogues. 10. The effect of methyl group substitution at the C-6 and C-7 positions on the GABA modulatory and anesthetic actions of (3alpha,5alpha)- and (3alpha,5beta)-3-hydroxypregnan-20-one. J Med Chem 2005; 48:3051-9. [PMID: 15828844 DOI: 10.1021/jm049027+] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The planar 5alpha-reduced steroid (3alpha,5alpha)-3-hydroxypregnan-20-one and the nonplanar 5beta-reduced steroid (3alpha,5beta)-3-hydroxypregnan-20-one act at GABA(A) receptors to induce general anesthesia. The structural features of the binding sites for these anesthetic steroids on GABA(A) receptors have not been determined. To determine how structural modifications at the steroid C-6 and C-7 positions effect the actions of these anesthetic steroids, an axial or equatorial methyl group was introduced at these positions. The analogues were evaluated (1) in [(35)S]-tert-butylbicyclophosphorothionate binding experiments, (2) in electrophysiological experiments using rat alpha(1)beta(2)gamma(2L) GABA(A) receptors expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, and (3) as tadpole anesthetics. The effects of methyl group substitution in the 5alpha- and 5beta-reduced series of compounds were strikingly similar. In both series, a 6beta-Me group gave compounds with actions similar to or greater than those of the parent steroids. A 6alpha-, 7beta- or 7alpha-Me substituent resulted in reduced potency for inhibition of radioligand binding, GABA(A) receptor modulation and tadpole anesthesia. Because of the similar effects of methyl group substitution in the two series of compounds and previous results from other studies showing that structural modifications in the steroid D ring/side chain region produce similar effects regardless of the stereochemistry of the A,B-ring fusion, we propose that either the 3alpha-hydroxyl groups of planar and nonplanar anesthetic steroids hydrogen bond to different amino acids on GABA(A) receptors or that this critical hydrogen bonding group interacts with membrane lipids instead of the receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-min Zeng
- Department of Molecular Biology and Pharmacology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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23
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Klein P, Herzog A. Emerging applications of hormonal therapy of paroxysmal central nervous system disorders. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2005; 6:1337-49. [PMID: 15989505 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.6.10.1337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Gonadal and adrenal steroidal hormones and their related neuropeptides affect seizures. Seizures, in their turn, may affect the functioning of these endocrine systems. Both these sets of effects may be clinically important and open to therapeutic manipulation. Recent advances in understanding the effects of these hormones and their metabolites on neuronal excitability have opened the way for a number of new, hormonally-based therapeutic approaches to seizure management. Some of these have reached various stages of clinical trials, while others are still in the preclinical stages of testing. Similarly, treatment of some of the hormonal consequences of seizures has recently been explored and will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Klein
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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24
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Chodounská H, Pouzar V, Budesínský M, Slavíková B, Kohout L. Synthesis of 3-methyl-3-hydroxy-6-oxo-androstane derivatives. Steroids 2004; 69:605-12. [PMID: 15465104 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2004.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2004] [Revised: 04/20/2004] [Accepted: 04/23/2004] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
3alpha,17beta-Dihydroxy-3beta-methyl-5alpha-androstan-6-one (1) and 3beta,17beta-dihydroxy-3alpha-methyl-5alpha-androstan-6-one (13) were prepared by the reaction of methylmagnesium bromide with the 3-ketosteroids. Structures and configurations in position 3 were determined by NMR spectra. Substitution in the position 6 influences the ratio of the products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Chodounská
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
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25
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Lambert JJ, Harney SC, Belelli D, Peters JA. Neurosteroid modulation of recombinant and synaptic GABAA receptors. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2002; 46:177-205. [PMID: 11599300 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7742(01)46063-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Certain pregnane steroids are now established as potent, positive allosteric modulators of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor. These compounds are known to be synthesized in the periphery by endocrine glands, such as the ovaries and the adrenal glands, and can rapidly cross the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, such steroids could act as endogeneous modulators of the major inhibitory receptor in the mammalian central nervous system. However, the demonstration that certain neurons and glia can synthesize the pregnane steroids (i.e., neurosteroids) additionally suggests that they may serve a paracrine role by influencing GABAA-receptor function through their local release in the brain itself. Here, we demonstrate that these neurosteroids are highly selective and extremely potent modulators of the GABAA receptor. The subunit composition of the GABAA receptor may influence the actions of the neurosteroids, particularly when considering concentrations of these agents thought to occur physiologically, which may underlie their reported differential effects at certain inhibitory synapses. However, recent work suggests that the phosphorylation status of either the synaptic GABAA receptor or its associated proteins may also influence neurosteroid sensitivity; these findings are discussed. Upon administration, the neurosteroids exhibit clear behavioral effects, including sedation, anticonvulsant actions, and behaviors predictive of anxiolysis; when given at high doses, they induce general anesthesia. Numerous synthetic steroids have been synthesized in an attempt to therapeutically exploit these properties, and these data are reviewed in this chapter. However, targeting the brain enzymes that synthesize and metabolize the neurosteroids may offer a new approach to exploit this novel endocrine-paracrine neurotransmitter interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Lambert
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee University, Dundee, DD1 9SY Scotland
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26
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Slavíková B, Kasal A, Chodounská H, Krištofíková Z. 3α-Fluoro Analogues of "Allopregnanolone" and Their Binding to GABAA Receptors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2002. [DOI: 10.1135/cccc20020030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
(Diethylamino)sulfur trifluoride (DAST) was used for the preparation of 3α-fluorides (e.g., 3α-fluoro-5α-pregnane-12,20-dione, 3α-fluoro-16α-[(methoxycarbonyl)methyl]-5α-pregnan-20-one, methyl 3α-fluoro-5α-androstane-17β-carboxylate, 3α-fluoro-5β-pregnan-20-one) from the corresponding 3β-alcohols and for the preparation of 3,3-difluorides from 3-ketones (e.g., 3,3-difluoro-5α-pregnan-20-one). Boron trifluoride etherate was used for the conversion of an epoxide into 3α-fluoro-2β-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one. Thein vitrobinding of the 3α-fluorides and the corresponding 3α-alcohols to the GABAAreceptor was established using [3H]muscimol and [35S]-tert-butylbicyclo[2.2.2]phosphorothionate as ligands.
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27
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Covey DF, Evers AS, Mennerick S, Zorumski CF, Purdy RH. Recent developments in structure-activity relationships for steroid modulators of GABA(A) receptors. BRAIN RESEARCH. BRAIN RESEARCH REVIEWS 2001; 37:91-7. [PMID: 11744077 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0173(01)00126-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
GABAergic neurotransmission can be both positively and negatively modulated by steroids. The steroid effects are thought to be mediated by binding of steroids to specific sites on GABA(A) receptors. It appears that the receptor sites for positive and negative modulatory steroids are different. Thus far, the location and number of binding sites for steroids on these receptors have not been established. In this brief review, we concentrate largely on results from our own structure-activity studies. Novel analogues have been studied to further delineate the structural features required for compounds to modulate receptor function via steroid binding sites. Non-naturally occurring enantiomers of both positive and negative modulators have been studied to provide further evidence for the existence of specific steroid binding sites on the receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- D F Covey
- Department of Molecular Biology and Pharmacology, Box 8103, 660 S. Euclid Ave., Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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28
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Lambert JJ, Belelli D, Harney SC, Peters JA, Frenguelli BG. Modulation of native and recombinant GABA(A) receptors by endogenous and synthetic neuroactive steroids. BRAIN RESEARCH. BRAIN RESEARCH REVIEWS 2001; 37:68-80. [PMID: 11744075 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0173(01)00124-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Upon administration, certain pregnane steroids produce clear behavioural effects including, anxiolysis, sedation, analgesia, anaesthesia and are anti-convulsant. This behavioural profile is characteristic of compounds that act to enhance the actions of GABA acting at the GABA(A) receptor. In agreement, numerous studies have now demonstrated these steroids to be potent, positive allosteric modulators of the GABA(A) receptor. The pregnane steroids are synthesized in the periphery by endocrine glands such as the adrenals and the ovaries, but are also made by neurons and glial cells in the central nervous system itself. Hence, these compounds could play both an endocrine and a paracrine role to influence neuronal excitability by promoting inhibition. Here we review evidence that the pregnane steroids are highly selective and extremely potent GABA(A) receptor modulators and that their effects at 'physiological' concentrations (low nanomolar) may be influenced by the subunit composition of the GABA(A) receptor. This feature may underlie recent findings demonstrating the effects of the neurosteroids on inhibitory synaptic transmission to be brain region dependent, although recent reports suggest that phosphorylation mechanisms may additionally influence neurosteroid sensitivity of the GABA(A) receptor. Numerous synthetic steroids have been synthesized in an attempt to therapeutically exploit the behavioural effects of the pregnane steroids and progress with this approach will be discussed. However, the demonstration that the steroids may be made within the central nervous system offers the alternative strategy of targeting the enzymes that synthesize/metabolise the neurosteroids to exploit this novel endocrine/paracrine interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Lambert
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Neurosciences Institute, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Ninewells Hospital, DD1 9SY, Dundee, UK.
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29
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Anderson A, Boyd AC, Clark JK, Fielding L, Gemmell DK, Hamilton NM, Maidment MS, May V, McGuire R, McPhail P, Sansbury FH, Sundaram H, Taylor R. Conformationally constrained anesthetic steroids that modulate GABA(A) receptors. J Med Chem 2000; 43:4118-25. [PMID: 11063608 DOI: 10.1021/jm000977e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Various cyclic ether and other 3 alpha-hydroxyandrostane derivatives bearing a conformationally constrained hydrogen-bonding moiety were prepared. Their anesthetic potency and their binding affinity for GABA(A) receptors, measured by intravenous administration to mice and inhibition of [(35)S]TBPS binding to rat whole brain membranes, were compared with that of known anesthetic 3 alpha-hydroxypregnan-20-ones. Synthetic steroids with similar in vitro and in vivo activities to the endogenous 3 alpha-hydroxypregnan-20-ones all had an ether oxygen on the beta-face of the steroid D-ring. These results suggest that for optimal GABA(A) receptor modulation, the hydrogen bond-accepting substituent should be near perpendicular to the plane of the D-ring on the beta-face of the steroid.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Anderson
- Research and Development, Organon Laboratories Ltd., Newhouse, Motherwell, Lanarkshire ML1 5SH, Scotland, UK
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30
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Covey DF, Han M, Kumar AS, de La Cruz MA, Meadows ES, Hu Y, Tonnies A, Nathan D, Coleman M, Benz A, Evers AS, Zorumski CF, Mennerick S. Neurosteroid analogues. 8. Structure-activity studies of N-acylated 17a-aza-D-homosteroid analogues of the anesthetic steroids (3alpha, 5alpha)- and (3alpha,5beta)-3-hydroxypregnan-20-one. J Med Chem 2000; 43:3201-4. [PMID: 10966737 DOI: 10.1021/jm0002477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D F Covey
- Departments of Molecular Biology and Pharmacology, Anesthesiology, Psychiatry, and Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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31
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Reddy DS, Kulkarni SK. Development of neurosteroid-based novel psychotropic drugs. PROGRESS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2000; 37:135-75. [PMID: 10845249 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6468(08)70059-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D S Reddy
- Department of Pharmacology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
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32
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Gasior M, Ungard JT, Beekman M, Carter RB, Witkin JM. Acute and chronic effects of the synthetic neuroactive steroid, ganaxolone, against the convulsive and lethal effects of pentylenetetrazol in seizure-kindled mice: comparison with diazepam and valproate. Neuropharmacology 2000; 39:1184-96. [PMID: 10760361 DOI: 10.1016/s0028-3908(99)00190-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A high-affinity positive modulator of the GABA(A) receptor complex, ganaxolone, is a 3beta-methylated analog of the naturally occurring neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone. In the present study, ganaxolone was tested for its ability to (1) suppress seizures (clonic and tonic) and lethality induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) in PTZ-kindled mice (anticonvulsive effect) and (2) to attenuate the development of sensitization to the convulsive and lethal effects of PTZ in kindled mice (anti-epileptogenic effect) when given as a pretreatment prior to each PTZ injection during kindling acquisition. Two classical antiepileptic drugs, diazepam and valproate, were tested for comparison. All three drugs dose-dependently suppressed tonic seizures and lethality induced by PTZ in kindled mice; only ganaxolone was effective against clonic seizures. Ganaxolone showed anti-epileptogenic properties as it reduced the sensitivity of kindled mice to the convulsive (clonic and tonic seizures) and lethal effects of PTZ. Diazepam showed anti-epileptogenic effects against tonic seizures and lethality, but not clonic seizures; valproate was ineffective in preventing development of any of these effects. Sensitivity to PTZ-induced seizures and lethality was not affected in mice with a history of repeated treatment with ganaxolone, diazepam, or valproate. The drugs had effects on ambulatory activity that ranged from no effect (ganaxolone) through moderate impairment (diazepam) to marked disruption (valproate). Taken together, the results of the present study add to accumulating evidence of the unique anticonvulsive/behavioral profile of neuroactive steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gasior
- Drug Development Group, Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, Addiction Research Center, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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33
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Barrantes FJ, Antollini SS, Bouzat CB, Garbus I, Massol RH. Nongenomic effects of steroids on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Kidney Int 2000; 57:1382-9. [PMID: 10760071 DOI: 10.1046/j.1523-1755.2000.00979.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A fast signaling mode of natural and synthetic steroids is exerted on some ion channels and cell-surface receptors. This activity contrasts with their classic mode of action, via intracellular receptors. Early studies from our laboratory demonstrated that spin-labeled androstanol and cholestane interact with the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) and that lipid mobility at the lipid belt surrounding the AChR is reduced relative to that of the bulk membrane lipid. The occurrence of discrete and independent sites for phospholipids and sterols, both accessible to fatty acids, was subsequently disclosed in the native membrane. Synthetic and natural glucocorticoids were found to act as noncompetitive inhibitors of AChR function. The influence of different substituent groups in the cyclepentane perhydrophenanthrene ring on the channel-shortening potency of various steroids has also been assayed in muscle-type AChR, and we found a certain selectivity of this effect. Some organochlorine pesticides are xenoestrogens, that is, environmental agents capable of disrupting endocrine system signaling. We determined their effects on the AChR membrane using novel fluorescence techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- F J Barrantes
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas, UNS/CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
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34
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Rybczynski PJ, Combs DW, Jacobs K, Shank RP, Dubinsky B. gamma-Aminobutyrate-A receptor modulation by 3-aryl-1-(arylsulfonyl)- 1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridazines. J Med Chem 1999; 42:2403-8. [PMID: 10395481 DOI: 10.1021/jm9805889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A series of 3-aryl-1-(arylsulfonyl)-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridazine allosteric modulators of the GABAA receptor was synthesized, and biological activity was examined in vitro and in vivo. Beginning with 1a, stepwise modification of the substituents and conservation of the scaffold yielded a chemical series in which the modulatory activity was enhanced by the presence of GABA. The SAR suggests, but does not establish, that the compounds bind to the steroid binding site on the GABAA receptor. The GABA shift for each compound indicates that all compounds in this series are either agonists or partial agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Rybczynski
- The R. W. Johnson Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Route 202, P.O. Box 300, Raritan, New Jersey 08876, USA
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35
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Ngatcha BÉAT, Poirier D. Diastereoselective Addition of Organomagnesium Reagents to 17β-TBDMS-Dihydrotestosterone. SYNTHETIC COMMUN 1999. [DOI: 10.1080/00397919908086075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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36
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Abstract
Some female gonadal and adrenal steroid hormones and their related pituitary peptides have neuroactive effects that can influence seizures. These effects may play a significant role in the pathophysiology of epilepsy, the pattern of seizure occurrence, therapeutic interventions using naturally occurring hormones, and the development of hormone-based neuroactive synthetic analogues with potent antiepileptic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Klein
- Harvard Neuroendocrine Unit, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
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37
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Chapter 1. Recent Approaches to Novel Antidepressant Therapy. ANNUAL REPORTS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 1999. [DOI: 10.1016/s0065-7743(08)60563-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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38
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Upasani RB, Yang KC, Acosta-Burruel M, Konkoy CS, McLellan JA, Woodward RM, Lan NC, Carter RB, Hawkinson JE. 3 alpha-Hydroxy-3 beta-(phenylethynyl)-5 beta-pregnan-20-ones: synthesis and pharmacological activity of neuroactive steroids with high affinity for GABAA receptors. J Med Chem 1997; 40:73-84. [PMID: 9016330 DOI: 10.1021/jm9605344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Neuroactive steroids that allosterically modulate GABAA receptors have potential uses as anticonvulsants, anxiolytics, and sedative-hypnotic agents. Recently, a series of pregnanes substituted with simple alkyl groups at the 3 beta-position were synthesized and found to be active in vitro. The present report describes the synthesis of a series of substituted 3 alpha-hydroxy-3 beta-(phenylethynyl)pregnan-20-ones and their in vitro structure-activity relationship determined by their potency for inhibition of [35S]TBPS binding in rat brain membranes. Appropriate substitution of the phenyl group results in ligands with particularly high affinity for the neuroactive steroid site on GABAA receptors (e.g., 4-acetyl 28, IC50 10 nM). The potency of selected steroids was confirmed electrophysiologically in oocytes expressing cloned human GABAA alpha 1 beta 2 gamma 2L receptors (e.g., compound 28, EC50 6.6 nM). Consistent with their in vitro activity, some of the 3 beta-(phenylethynyl)-substituted steroids displayed anticonvulsant activity in the pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) and maximal electroshock (MES) tests following ip administration in mice. Notably, the 3 beta-[(4-acetylphenyl)ethynyl]-19-nor derivative 36 demonstrated an attractive anticonvulsant profile (PTZ and MES ED50 values of 2.8 and 9.2 mg/kg, respectively). A new pharmacophore for the neuroactive steroid site of GABAA receptors is proposed based upon the high affinity of certain substituted 3 beta-(phenylethynyl) steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- R B Upasani
- CoCensys, Inc., Irvine, California 92618, USA
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