Novel 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium antagonists. I. Synthesis and hypotensive activity of 4-(substituted pyridyl)-1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives

Both Nitro Groups Are Essential for High Antitubercular Activity of 3,5-Dinitrobenzylsulfanyl Tetrazoles and 1,3,4-Oxadiazoles through the Deazaflavin-Dependent Nitroreductase Activation Pathway

3,5-Dinitrobenzylsulfanyl tetrazoles and 1,3,4-oxadiazoles, previously identified as having high in vitro activities against both replicating and nonreplicating mycobacteria and favorable cytotoxicity and genotoxicity profiles were investigated. First we demonstrated that these compounds act in a deazaflavin-dependent nitroreduction pathway and thus require a nitro group for their activity. Second, we confirmed the necessity of both nitro groups for antimycobacterial activity through extensive structure-activity relationship studies using 32 structural types of analogues, each in a five-membered series. Only the analogues with shifted nitro groups, namely, 2,5-dinitrobenzylsulfanyl oxadiazoles and tetrazoles, maintained high antimycobacterial activity but in this case mainly as a result of DprE1 inhibition. However, these analogues also showed increased toxicity to the mammalian cell line. Thus, both nitro groups in 3,5-dinitrobenzylsulfanyl-containing antimycobacterial agents remain essential for their high efficacy, and further efforts should be directed at finding ways to address the possible toxicity and solubility issues, for example, by targeted delivery.

Selective Halogenation of Pyridines Using Designed Phosphine Reagents

Halopyridines are key building blocks for synthesizing pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and ligands for metal complexes, but strategies to selectively halogenate pyridine C-H precursors are lacking. We designed a set of heterocyclic phosphines that are installed at the 4-position of pyridines as phosphonium salts and then displaced with halide nucleophiles. A broad range of unactivated pyridines can be halogenated, and the method is viable for late-stage halogenation of complex pharmaceuticals. Computational studies indicate that C-halogen bond formation occurs via an S_NAr pathway, and phosphine elimination is the rate-determining step. Steric interactions during C-P bond cleavage account for differences in reactivity between 2- and 3-substituted pyridines.

Heterocyclic chalcone activators of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) with improved in vivo efficacy

Nrf2 activators represent a good drug target for designing agents to treat diseases associated with oxidative stress. Building upon previous work, we designed and prepared a series of heterocyclic chalcone-based Nrf2 activators with reduced lipophilicity and, in some cases, greater in vitro potency compared to the respective carbocyclic scaffold. These changes resulted in enhanced oral bioavailability and a superior pharmacodynamic effect in vivo.

Redetermination of 2-methyl-4-nitropyridineN-oxide

An improved crystal structure of the title compound, C₆H₆N₂O₃, is reported. The structure, previously solved [Li et al. (1987 ▶). Jiegou Huaxue (Chin. J. Struct. Chem.), 6, 20–24] in the ortho­rhom­bic space group Pca2₁ and refined to R = 0.067, has been solved in the ortho­rhom­bic space group Pbcm with data of enhanced quality, giving an improved structure (R = 0.0485). The mol­ecule adopts a planar conformation with all atoms lying on a mirror plane. The crystal structure is composed of mol­ecular sheets extending parallel to the ab plane and connected via C—H⋯O contacts involving ring H atoms and O atoms of the N-oxide and nitro groups, while van der Waals forces consolidate the stacking of the layers.

Trifluoromethylation of aryl and heteroaryl halides with fluoroform-derived CuCF3: scope, limitations, and mechanistic features

Fluoroform-derived CuCF3 recently discovered in our group exhibits remarkably high reactivity toward aryl and heteroaryl halides, performing best in the absence of extra ligands. A broad variety of iodoarenes undergo smooth trifluoromethylation with the "ligandless" CuCF3 at 23-50 °C to give the corresponding benzotrifluorides in nearly quantitative yield. A number of much less reactive aromatic bromides also have been trifluoromethylated, including pyridine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, and thiazole derivatives as well as aryl bromides bearing electron-withdrawing groups and/or ortho substituents. Only the most electrophilic chloroarenes can be trifluoromethylated, e.g., 2-chloronicotinic acid. Exceptionally high chemoselectivity of the reactions (no side-formation of arenes, biaryls, and C2F5 derivatives) has allowed for the isolation of a large number of trifluoromethylated products in high yield on a gram scale (up to 20 mmol). The CuCF3 reagent is destabilized by CuX coproduced in the reaction, the magnitude of the effect paralleling the Lewis acidity of CuX: CuCl > CuBr > CuI. While S(N)Ar and S(RN)1 mechanisms are not operational, there is a well-pronounced ortho effect, i.e., the enhanced reactivity of ortho-substituted aryl halides 2-RC6H4X toward CuCF3. Intriguingly, this ortho-effect is observed for R = NO2, COOH, CHO, COOEt, COCH3, OCH3, and even CH3, but not for R = CN. The fluoroform-derived CuCF3 reagent and its reactions with haloarenes provide an unmatched combination of reactivity, selectivity, and low cost.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of indazole arylsulfonamides as allosteric CC-chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) antagonists

A series of indazole arylsulfonamides were synthesized and examined as human CCR4 antagonists. Methoxy- or hydroxyl-containing groups were the more potent indazole C4 substituents. Only small groups were tolerated at C5, C6, or C7, with the C6 analogues being preferred. The most potent N3-substituent was 5-chlorothiophene-2-sulfonamide. N1 meta-substituted benzyl groups possessing an α-amino-3-[(methylamino)acyl]-group were the most potent N1-substituents. Strongly basic amino groups had low oral absorption in vivo. Less basic analogues, such as morpholines, had good oral absorption; however, they also had high clearance. The most potent compound with high absorption in two species was analogue 6 (GSK2239633A), which was selected for further development. Aryl sulfonamide antagonists bind to CCR4 at an intracellular allosteric site denoted site II. X-ray diffraction studies on two indazole sulfonamide fragments suggested the presence of an important intramolecular interaction in the active conformation.

Novel nanomolar imidazo[4,5-b]pyridines as selective nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitors: SAR and structural insights

Inducible arginine oxidation and subsequent NO production by correspondent synthase (iNOS) are important cellular answers to proinflammatory signals. Prolonged NO production has been proved in higher organisms to cause stroke or septic shock. Several classes of potent NOS inhibitors have been reported, most of them targeting the arginine binding site of the oxygenase domain. Here we disclose the SAR and the rational design of potent and selective iNOS inhibitors which may be useful as anti-inflammatory drugs.

Single photon emission computed tomography/positron emission tomography imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy of melanoma: new multimodal fluorinated and iodinated radiotracers

This study reports a series of 14 new iodinated and fluorinated compounds offering both early imaging ((123)I, (124)I, (18)F) and systemic treatment ((131)I) of melanoma potentialities. The biodistribution of each (125)I-labeled tracer was evaluated in a model of melanoma B16F0-bearing mice, using in vivo serial γ scintigraphic imaging. Among this series, [(125)I]56 emerged as the most promising compound in terms of specific tumoral uptake and in vivo kinetic profile. To validate our multimodality concept, the radiosynthesis of [(18)F]56 was then optimized and this radiotracer has been successfully investigated for in vivo PET imaging of melanoma in B16F0- and B16F10-bearing mouse model. The therapeutic efficacy of [(131)I]56 was then evaluated in mice bearing subcutaneous B16F0 melanoma, and a significant slow down in tumoral growth was demonstrated. These data support further development of 56 for PET imaging ((18)F, (124)I) and targeted radionuclide therapy ((131)I) of melanoma using a single chemical structure.

Design of a Hybrid Biosensor for Enhanced Phosphopeptide Recognition Based on a Phosphoprotein Binding Domain Coupled with a Fluorescent Chemosensor

Protein-based fluorescent biosensors with sufficient sensing specificity are useful analytical tools for detection of biologically important substances in complicated biological systems. Here, we present the design of a hybrid biosensor, specific for a bis-phosphorylated peptide, based on a natural phosphoprotein binding domain coupled with an artificial fluorescent chemosensor. The hybrid biosensor consists of a phosphoprotein binding domain, the WW domain, into which has been introduced a fluorescent stilbazole having Zn(II)-dipicolylamine (Dpa) as a phosphate binding motif. It showed strong binding affinity and high sensing selectivity toward a specific bis-phosphorylated peptide in the presence of various phosphate species such as the monophosphorylated peptide, ATP, and others. Detailed fluorescence titration experiments clearly indicate that the binding-induced fluorescence enhancement and the sensing selectivity were achieved by the cooperative action of both binding sites of the hybrid biosensor, i.e., the WW domain and the Zn(II)-Dpa chemosensor unit. Thus, it is clear that the tethered Zn(II)-Dpa-stilbazole unit operated not only as a fluorescence signal transducer, but also as a sub-binding site in the hybrid biosensor. Taking advantage of its selective sensing property, the hybrid biosensor was successfully applied to real-time and label-free fluorescence monitoring of a protein kinase-catalyzed phosphorylation.

Crystal Structures and Magnetic Properties of Complexes of MIICl2 (M = Cu, Ni, and Co) Coordinated with 4-(N-tert-butyloxyamino)-2-(methoxymethylenyl)pyridine: 2D Magnetic Anisotropy of the Aminoxyl-CoII Complex in the Crystalline State

Three metal complexes, [M(II)Cl2(4NOPy-OMe)2] (M = Cu (1), Ni (2), and Co (3)), were prepared by mixing the corresponding metal chloride and 4-(N-tert-butyloxyamino)-2-(methoxymethylenyl)pyridine, 4NOPy-OMe, in 1:2 ratio. Complex 1 has two structures (complexes A and B) with similar coordination geometries, compressed octahedrons. In the crystal structure, complexes A and B locate alternately in short distances (C(radical)...C(beta) = 3.17 and 3.23 A) to form a 1-D chain structure. Complexes 2 and 3 are isomorphous and have a slightly distorted octahedral structure. In the crystal structure, both complexes have intermolecular short contacts (C(radical)...C(alpha) = 3.46 and 3.52 A for 2 and 3, respectively) to form the 2-D structures. The temperature dependence of the chi(mol)T values for the three complexes indicated that the magnetic interactions between the radicals and the metal ions within the complexes were ferromagnetic. By fitting a modified Fisher 1-D model to the data of the chi(mol)T vs T plot for 1, we estimated the intra- and intermolecular (intrachain) exchange coupling constants to be J1/kB = 60.2 and J2/kB = -7.02 K, respectively. On the other hand, complexes 2 and 3 showed steep increases of the chi(mol)T value below ca. 3 K, indicating that the long-range magnetic ordering is operating. The 1/chi(mol) vs T plot for 2 was analyzed by a Curie-Weiss model to give theta = 6.25 K and C = 2.02 cm3 K mol(-1) with g(Ni) = 2.25. Complex 3 was investigated in more detail using an orientated sample. Magnetic behavior strongly depends on the direction of the applied field, in which the c axis perpendicular to the ab plane is an easy axis for magnetization. Direct current (dc) and alternating current (ac) magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed that complex 3 had a magnetic phase transition of T(c) = 2.14 K and exhibited a glasslike magnetic behavior below T(c).

Design, synthesis, and biological activity of non-amidine factor Xa inhibitors containing pyridine N-oxide and 2-carbamoylthiazole units

Based on the both of results for X-ray studies of tetrahydrothiazolopyridine derivative 1c and FXV673, we synthesized a series of thiazol-5-ylpyridine derivatives containing pyridine N-oxide and 2-carbamoylthiazole units to optimize the S4 binding element. N-Oxidation of thiazol-5-ylpyridine increased the anti-fXa activity more than 10-fold independent on the position of N-oxide. The 4-pyridine N-oxide derivatives 3a and 3d excelled over the tetrahydrothiazolopyridine 1b in potency. 2-Methylpyridine N-oxide 3d exhibited 49-fold selectivity over thrombin. Our modeling study proposed a binding mode that the pyridine N-oxide ring of 3a stuck into the "cation hole" , and the oxide anion of 3a occupied in the almost same space to that of FXV673. From observations of the SAR and modeling studies, we suggested the possibilities that the formation of hydrogen bond with the oxide anion in the "cation hole" and the affinity of cationic pyridine ring to S4 subsite were responsible for increase in anti-fXa activity.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of a novel series of 2,3,5,6,7,9-hexahydrothieno[3,2-b]quinolin-8(4H)-one 1,1-dioxide K(ATP) channel openers: discovery of (-)-(9S)-9-(3-bromo-4-fluorophenyl)-2,3,5,6,7,9- hexahydrothieno[3,2-b]quinolin-8(4H)-one 1,1-dioxide (A-278637), a potent K(ATP) opener that selectively inhibits spontaneous bladder contractions

Structure-activity relationships were investigated on a novel series of sulfonyldihydropyridine-containing K(ATP) openers. Ring sizes, absolute stereochemistry, and aromatic substitution were evaluated for K(ATP) activity in guinea pig bladder cells using a fluorescence-based membrane potential assay and in a pig bladder strip assay. The inhibition of spontaneous bladder contractions in vitro was also examined for a select group of compounds. All compounds studied showed greater potency to inhibit spontaneous bladder contractions relative to their potencies to inhibit contractions elicited by electrical stimulation. In an anesthetized pig model of myogenic bladder overactivity, compound 14 and (-)-cromakalim 1 were found to inhibit spontaneous bladder contractions in vivo at plasma concentrations lower than those that affected hemodynamic parameters. Compound 14 showed approximately 5-fold greater selectivity than 1 in vivo and supports the concept that bladder-selective K(ATP) channel openers may have utility in the treatment of overactive bladder.

The use of sulfonylamido pyrimidines incorporating an unsaturated side chain as endothelin receptor antagonists

A series of compounds structurally related to bosentan 1 featuring an unsaturated side chain at position 6 of the core pyrimidine have been studied for their potential to block the ET(A) and ET(B) receptor. Incorporation of a 2-butyne-1,4-diol linker bearing a pyridyl carbamoyl moiety led to in vitro highly potent endothelin receptor antagonists (e.g., 70 and 75). The propargyl derivative 26 significantly reduced blood pressure in in vivo model studies with hypertensive salt-sensitive Dahl rats.

Addition of ester enolates to N-alkyl-2-fluoropyridinium salts: total synthesis of (+/-)-20-deoxycamptothecin and (+)-camptothecin

Several 4-substituted dihydropyridones or 2-pyridones have been prepared by nucleophilic addition of alpha-(methylsulfanyl)ester enolates to N-alkyl-2-fluoropyridinium salts, followed by acid hydrolysis or oxidation with concomitant hydrolysis, of the intermediate 2-fluoro-1,4-dihydropyridine adducts, respectively. Addition of the enolate derived from isopropyl alpha-(methylsulfanyl)butyrate to N-(quinolylmethyl)-2-fluoropyridinium triflate 21 followed by DDQ treatment gave pyridone 29, from which (+/-)-20-deoxycamptothecin (31), a known precursor of camptothecin, was synthesized by a radical cyclization-desulfurization, with subsequent elaboration of the lactone E ring by chemoselective reduction. A similar sequence starting from the enolate of a chiral 2-hydroxybutyric acid derivative (33) provides access to natural (+)-camptothecin (37).

The new generation dihydropyridine type calcium blockers, bearing 4-phenyl oxypropanolamine, display alpha-/beta-adrenoceptor antagonist and long-acting antihypertensive activities

A new series of dihydropyridine derivatives, bearing oxypropanolamine moiety on phenyl ring at the 4-position of the dihydropyridine base, were prepared. Oxypropanolamine was synthesized by replacing the phenolic OH of vanillin or other compounds, having a phenyl aldehyde group, with epichlorohydrin, followed by cleavaging the obtained epoxide compounds with tert-butylamine, n-butylamine or 2-methoxy-1-oxyethylamino benzene (guaiacoxyethylamine), respectively. Obtained various oxypropanolamine compounds, still remaining a phenyl aldehyde moiety, were then performed by Hantzsch condensation reaction with methylacetoacetate or ethylacetoacetate, respectively, to give our new series of dihydropyridine linked with the 4-phenyl ring. These compounds were evaluated for inotropic, chronotropic, and aorta contractility that associated with calcium channel and adrenoceptor antagonist activities. Dihydropyridine derivatives that with oxypropanolamine side chain on their 4-phenyl ring associated alpha-/beta-adrenoceptor blocking activities created a new family of calcium entry and the third generation beta-adrenoceptor blockers. Optimizing this research to obtain more potent alpha-/beta-adrenoceptor blocking and long-acting antihypertensive oxypropanolamine on the 4-phenyl ring of dihydropyridine series compounds was thus accomplished and classified as third generation dihydropyridine type calcium channel blockers, in comparison with previous short-acting type nifedipine and long-acting type amlodipine. We concluded that compounds 1a, 1b and 1g showed not only markedly high calcium-antagonistic activity but also the highest antihypertensive effect; compounds 1b, 1c, 1f, 1g, 1i and 1j induced sustained antihypertensive effects are major and attributed to their calcium entry and alpha-adrenoceptor blocking activities in the blood vessel due to their introduction of 2-methoxy, 1-oxyethylamino benzene moiety in the side chain on the 4-phenyl ring of dihydropyridine. Bradycardiac effects of all the compounds 1a-1j resulted from calcium entry and beta-adrenoceptor blocking, which attenuate the sympathetic activation-associated reflex tachycardia in the heart. We selected compound 1b as candidate compound for further pharmacological and pre-clinical evaluation studies.

Synthesis of bipyridylene-bridged bisporphyrin by nickel-mediated coupling reaction: ON-OFF control of cofacial porphyrin unit by reversible complexation

Novel bipyridylene-bridged bisporphyrin 1a, in which two porphyrin units were attached directly to symmetrical 4,4'-positions of the 2,2'-bipyridyl group, was synthesized by a nickel(0)-mediated homocoupling reaction of 5,10,15-tris(n-heptyl)-20-(2'-bromo-4'-pyridyl)porphyrinatozinc (3a) in 58% yield. Spatial geometries of two porphyrins in 1a were regulated by reversible complexation of the bipyridyl part with PdCl(2). Thus, the addition of 2.2 equiv of palladium chloride to 1a converted the freely rotating conformation to the cofacial bisporphyrin 2a. The subsequent addition of 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine 9 regenerated the initial bisporphyrin 1a.

Synthesis of biaryls by intramolecular radical transfer in phosphinates

Phosphinates 20a-35a give biaryls 20b-35b on heating with stannanes in the presence of AIBN. The process involves a radical ipso substitution on the migrating aryl ring.

Synthesis of some thiazolyl-pyrazoline derivatives and preliminary investigation of their hypotensive activity

Some 1-(4-arylthiazol-2-yl)-3,5-diaryl-2-pyrazoline derivatives were synthesized by reacting 1-thiocarbamoyl-3,5-diaryl-2-pyrazoline derivatives with phenacetylbromide in ethanol. The structural elucidation of the compounds were performed by IR, 1H-NMR and Mass spectral data and elemental analyses. The hypotensive activities of 13 compounds were evaluated by using the tail-cuff method. All examined compounds showed appreciable hypotensive activities. Clonidine was used as reference substance in the pharmacological evaluation.

Synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of the calcium channel antagonist: dimethyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-[4'-(4H-4-oxo-1-benzopyran-2-yl)phenyl]- 3,5-pyridine dicarboxylate

The synthesis of the title compound via the Hantzsch method from 4'-flavone carboxaldehyde is described, and its molecular structure was determined by X-ray crystallography. The 1,4-dihydropyridine (1,4-DHP) ring adopts a boat conformation. The phenyl ring of the flavone is not exactly perpendicular to the DHP ring. Calcium antagonistic activity of this compound was evaluated in vitro by using BaCl2-stimulated rat ileum.

Novel nonnucleoside inhibitors of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. 7. 8-Arylethyldipyridodiazepinones as potent broad-spectrum inhibitors of wild-type and mutant enzymes

Like other nonnucleoside inhibitors of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, the dipyridodiazepinone nevirapine (Viramune, 1) selects for drug resistant variants of HIV-1, both in cell culture and in patients. In particular, the mutation of residue 181 from tyrosine to cysteine (Y181C) is associated with resistance to most reported nonnucleoside inhibitors. Introduction of an arylethyl substituent at the 8-position of the tricyclic dipyridodiazepinone skeleton confers enhanced potency against Y181C RT. Several analogues of this series display good broad spectrum potency against a panel of mutant enzymes.

Distal cleavage of 3-chlorocatechol by an extradiol dioxygenase to 3-chloro-2-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde

A 2,3-dihydroxybiphenyl 1,2-dioxygenase from the naphthalenesulfonate-degrading bacterium Sphingomonas sp. strain BN6 oxidized 3-chlorocatechol to a yellow product with a strongly pH-dependent absorption maximum at 378 nm. A titration curve suggested (de)protonation of an ionizable group with a pKa of 4.4. The product was isolated, purified, and converted, by treatment with diazomethane, to a dimethyl derivative and, by incubation with ammonium chloride, to a picolinic acid derivative. Mass spectra and 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data for these two derivatives prove a 3-chloro-2-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde structure for the metabolite, resulting from distal (1,6) cleavage of 3-chlorocatechol. 3-Methylcatechol and 2,3-dihydroxybiphenyl are oxidized by this enzyme, in contrast, via proximal (2,3) cleavage.

Synthesis, rotamer orientation, and calcium channel modulation activities of alkyl and 2-phenethyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(3- or 6-substituted-2-pyridyl)-5-pyridinecarboxylates

A group of racemic alkyl and 2-phenethyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(3- or 6-substituted-2-pyridyl)-5-pyridinecarboxylates (13a-q) was prepared using a modified Hantzsch reaction that involved the condensation of a 3- or 6-substituted-2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde (7a-j) with an alkyl or 2-phenethyl 3-aminocrotonate (11a-d) and nitroacetone (12). Nuclear Overhauser (NOE) studies indicated there is a significant rotamer fraction in solution where the pyridyl nitrogen is oriented above the 1,4-dihydropyridine ring, irrespective of whether a substituent is located at the 3- or 6-position. A potential H-bonding interaction between the pyridyl nitrogen free electron pair and the suitably positioned 1,4-dihydropyridine NH moiety may stablize this rotamer orientation. In vitro calcium channel antagonist and agonist activities were determined using guinea pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle (GPILSM) and guinea pig left atrium (GPLA) assays, respectively. Compounds having an i-Pr ester substituent acted as dual cardioselective calcium channel agonists (GPLA)/smooth muscle-selective calcium channel antagonists (GPILSM), except for the C-4 3-nitro-2-pyridyl compound which exhibited an antagonist effect on both GPLA and GPILSM. In contrast, the compounds with a phenethyl ester group, which exhibited antagonist activity (IC50 = 10(-5)-10(-7) M range) on GPILSM, were devoid of cardiac agonist activity on GPLA. Structure-activity relationships showing the effect of a substituent (Me, CF3, Cl, NO2, Ph) at the 3- or 6-position of a C-4 2-pyridyl moiety and a variety of ester substituents (Me, Et, i-Pr, PhCH2CH2-) upon calcium channel modulation are described. Compounds possessing a 3- or 6-substituted-2-pyridyl moiety, in conjuction with an i-Pr ester substituent, are novel 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel modulators that offer a new drug design approach directed to the treatment of congestive heart failure and may also be useful as probes to study the structure-function relationships of calcium channels.

Substituted (pyridylmethoxy)naphthalenes as potent and orally active 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors; synthesis, biological profile, and pharmacokinetics of L-739,010

Dioxabicyclooctanyl naphthalenenitriles have been reported as a class of potent and nonredox 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitors. These bicyclo derivatives were shown to be metabolically more stable than their tetrahydropyranyl counterparts but were not well orally absorbed. Replacement of the phenyl ring in the naphthalenenitrile 1 by a pyridine ring leads to the potent and orally absorbed inhibitor 3g (L-739,010, 2-cyano-4-(3-furyl)-7-[[6-[3-(3-hydroxy-6,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1] octanyl)]-2-pyridyl]methoxy]naphthalene). Compound 3g inhibits 5-HPETE production by human 5-LO and LTB4 biosynthesis by human PMN leukocytes and human whole blood (IC50S of 20, 1.6, and 42 nM, respectively). Derivative 3g is orally active in the rat pleurisy model (inhibition of LTB4, ED50 = 0.3 mg/kg) and in the anesthetized dog model (inhibition of ex vivo whole blood LTB4 and urinary LTE4, ED50 = 0.45 and 0.23 microgram/kg/min, respectively, i.v. infusion). In addition, 3g shows excellent functional activity against ovalbumin-induced dyspnea in rats (60% inhibition at 0.5 mg/kg, 4 h pretreatment) and Ascaris-induced bronchoconstriction in conscious sheep (50% and > 85% inhibition in early and late phases, respectively at 2.5 micrograms/kg/min, i.v. infusion) and, more particularly in the conscious antigen sensitive squirrel monkey model (53% inhibition of the increase in RL and 76% in the decrease of Cdyn, at 0.1 mg/kg, po). In rats and dogs, 3g presents excellent pharmacokinetics (estimated half-lives of 5 and 16 h, respectively) and bioavailabilities (26% and 73% when dosed as its hydrochloride salt at doses of 20 and 10 mg/kg, respectively, in methocel suspension). Based on its overall biological profile, compound 3g has been selected for preclinical animal toxicity studies.

Synthesis of Cyclo-2,2':4',4":2",2"':4"',4"":2"",2""':4""',4-sexipyridine

Preparation of the title compound (2) by use of Stille couplings and a Kröhnke pyridine synthesis is described. By application of the Stille coupling reaction, preparation and functionalization of quater- and quinquepyridines 26, 27, and 28 were achieved. Elaboration of quinquepyridine 27 to the pyridinium salt 30 bearing a protected enal allowed for the synthesis of 2 by a one-pot deprotection/Kröhnke reaction in nine steps from 4,4'-bipyridine. Use of the Kröhnke pyridine synthesis has been applied to prepare sexipyridine dibromide 19, but attempts to induce a macrocyclization via metal-mediated (Pd/Ni/Cu) aryl-aryl coupling procedures proved unsuccessful. Acetylene-bridged sexipyridines 3a and 3b incorporating 2,2'-bipyridine units proved to be inaccessible via sp-sp(2) or sp-sp coupling protocols.