Synthesis and structure-activity relationship of new 1,5-dialkyl-1,5-benzodiazepines as cholecystokinin-2 receptor antagonists

This article deals with the synthesis and the activities of some 1,5-dialkyl-3-arylureido-1,5-benzodiazepin-2,4-diones which were prepared as potential CCK2 antagonists, with the intention to find a possible follow up of our lead compound GV150013, showing an improved pharmacokinetic profile. The phenyl ring at N-5 was replaced with more hydrophilic substituents, like alkyl groups bearing basic functions. In some cases, the resolution of the racemic key intermediates 3-amino-benzodiazepines was also accomplished. Among the compounds synthesized and characterised so far in this class, the 5-morpholinoethyl derivative 54, was selected as potential follow up of GV150013 and submitted for further evaluation.

Assessment of the reliability of a custom built Nordic Ski Ergometer for cross-country skiing power test

AIM

Despite the recent development of cross-country ski technique having led to an increase in the importance of upper body power, there is a substantial lack of specific equipment for upper body force and power evaluation. In order to achieve good reproducibility of the skiing motion, a new upper body ergometer has been developed in our lab and tested by elite cross-country skiers. In this study, the reliability of this device was assessed comparing upper body power measurements with double poling ski performance in the field.

METHODS

The new apparatus consists of an electric motor acting as load and actively controlled by a personal computer on the basis of force and velocity data. Nine cross-country skiers (age: 21.7+/-3.12 years; body weight: 72.2+/-3.8 kg), competing at international level, performed a ski test on a 1.2 km long sprint track and a 50 s exercise on the Nordic Ski Ergometer. The velocity of the last section (180 m, slope 1.37%) of the track, performed using the double poling technique at maximal voluntary intensity, was related to the upper body power measured at the ergometer.

RESULTS

Mean upper body power was 9.22+/-2.29 W kg(-1), while average velocity on the section considered was 6.66+/-0.67 m s(-1). A high correlation (R(2)=0.871) was found between upper body power and ski velocity.

CONCLUSION

In addition to overcoming the main limitations that affect traditionally used equipment, the strong relationship between the parameters obtained with the new ergometer and ski velocity indicates their ability to assess athletes performance. The new apparatus could therefore be considered a ski specific testing equipment for cross-country skiers which is useful for reproducing upper body involvement in cross-country ski-ing in a laboratory setting.

Synthesis and SAR of new 5-phenyl-3-ureido-1,5-benzodiazepines as cholecystokinin-B receptor antagonists

A series of 5-phenyl-3-ureidobenzodiazepine-2,4-diones was synthesized and evaluated as cholecystokinin-B (CCK-B) receptor antagonists. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies revealed the importance of the N-1 substituent for potent and selective CCK-B affinity. Addition of substituents at the urea side chain provided in some cases more potent compounds. Moreover the introduction of bulky substituents such as adamantylmethyl at N-1 and resolution of the racemic ureas resulted in our lead compound GV150013.

Synthesis and evaluation of 1,5-benzodiazepines with bridged cycloalkyl substituents at the N-1 position as potent and selective CCK-B Ligands

The synthesis and biological evaluation of 3-ureido and 3-carbamate derivatives of 1,5-benzodiazepines bearing bridged cycloalkyl substituents at N-1 are reported. Their activity as CCK-B receptor ligands is briefly discussed.