Two series of novel ether analogs of the sigma (σ) receptor ligand 1-[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine (SA4503) have been prepared. In one series, the alkyl portion of the 4-methoxy group was replaced with allyl, propyl, bromoethyl, benzyl, phenethyl, and phenylpropyl moieties. In the second series, the 3,4-dimethoxy was replaced with cyclic methylenedioxy, ethylenedioxy and propylenedioxy groups. These ligands, along with 4-O-des-methyl SA4503, were evaluated for σ1 and σ2 receptor affinity, and compared to SA4503 and several known ether analogs. SA4503 and a subset of ether analogs were also evaluated for dopamine transporter (DAT) and serotonin transporter (SERT) affinity. The highest σ1 receptor affinities, Ki values of 1.75–4.63 nM, were observed for 4-O-des-methyl SA4503, SA4503 and the methylenedioxy analog. As steric bulk increased, σ1 receptor affinity decreased, but only to a point. Allyl, propyl and bromoethyl substitutions gave σ1 receptor Ki values in the 20–30 nM range, while bulkier analogs having phenylalkyl, and Z- and E-iodoallyl, ether substitutions showed higher σ1 affinities, with Ki values in the 13–21 nM range. Most ligands studied exhibited comparable σ1 and σ2 affinities, resulting in little to no subtype selectivity. SA4503, the fluoroethyl analog and the methylenedioxy congener showed modest six- to fourteen-fold selectivity for σ1 sites. DAT and SERT interactions proved much more sensitive than σ receptor interactions to these structural modifications. For example, the benzyl congener (σ1Ki = 20.8 nM; σ2Ki = 16.4 nM) showed over 100-fold higher DAT affinity (Ki = 121 nM) and 6-fold higher SERT affinity (Ki = 128 nM) than the parent SA4503 (DAT Ki = 12650 nM; SERT Ki = 760 nM). Thus, ether modifications to the SA4503 scaffold can provide polyfunctional ligands having a broader spectrum of possible pharmacological actions.

5-Bromo-N-[4-(6,7-dimethoxy-3,4-dihydro-1H-isoquinolin-2-yl)-butyl)]-2,3-dimethoxy-benzamide (1) is one of the most potent and selective σ2 receptor ligands reported to date. A series of new analogs, where the amine ring fused to the aromatic ring was varied in size (5–7) and the location of the nitrogen in this ring was modified, has been synthesized and assessed for their σ1/σ2 binding affinity and selectivity. The binding affinity of an open-chained variant of 1 was also evaluated. Only the five-membered ring congener of 1 displayed a higher σ1/σ2 selectivity, derived from a higher σ2 affinity and a lower σ1 affinity. Positioning the nitrogen adjacent to the aromatic ring in the five-membered and six-membered ring congeners dramatically decreased affinity for both subtypes. Thus, location of the nitrogen within a constrained ring is confirmed to be key to the exceptional σ2 receptor binding affinity and selectivity for this active series.A series of analogs, where the amine ring fused to the aromatic ring was varied in size (5–7) and the location of the nitrogen in this ring was modified, has been synthesized and assessed for their σ1/σ2 binding affinity and selectivity. Location of the nitrogen within a constrained ring is confirmed to be key to the exceptional σ2 receptor binding affinity and selectivity for this active series.

103Rhodium(III) complexes derived from seven acyclic tetradentate N2S2 ligands (one diaminedithiol and six diaminedithioether ligands) have been synthesized and characterized. Structural variations in the ligand include the length of carbon backbone between the coordinating atoms (222; 232; 323; 333), the presence or absence of gem-dimethyl groups α to sulfur, and the nature of the organic moiety on the sulfurs (hydrogen, p-methoxybenzyl and methyl). For each ligand, the formation of cis and/or trans dichloro isomeric complexes was assessed. Two complexes have been further characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Preparation of the 103Rhodium(III) complexes was conducted and overall radiochemical yields, in vitro stability and log D7.4 values were measured. From these studies, the ligand with the 232 chain length, gem-dimethyl groups and the methyl thioether (L4) emerged as a preferred ligand for formation of rhodium complexes with trans geometry and highest radiochemical yields.

The gastrin releasing peptide receptor (GRP-R) is overexpressed on a number of tumors and cancer cell lines including pancreas, prostate, breast, gastrointestinal, and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Radiolabeled bombesin (BBN) analogues have exhibited high binding affinity and specificity to the GRP-R. A bombesin analogue with an antagonist targeting vector at the C-terminus, DOTA-aminohexanoyl-[D-Phe6, Leu-NHCH2CH2CH313, des Met14] BBN[6−14] (1, “Bomproamide”), has been synthesized and displays high binding affinity (IC50 = 1.36 ± 0.09 nM) against 125I-Tyr4-BBN in in vitro competitive assays using PC-3 cells. Maximum internalization of 111In-1 reached 14% in PC-3 cells after 45 min of incubation. Rapid (0.25 h PI) and high (12.21 ± 3.2%ID/g) pancreatic uptake of 111In-1 was observed in healthy CF-1 mice, and 90% of the activity was blocked by coinjection of 100 μg of BBN. Rapid (0.25 h PI) and high uptake (6.90 ± 1.06%ID/g) was observed in PC-3 prostate cancer xenografts in SCID mice, as well as visualized clearly in a SPECT/CT study. These results support the use of a bombesin construct with an antagonist C-terminal vector as a candidate of choice for specific in vivo imaging of tumors overexpressing GRP-receptors.

Ten N-(3-phenylpropyl)-N′-benzylpiperazines having different substituents on the benzyl moiety were synthesized and evaluated for σ1 and σ2 receptor binding. The σ1 affinities were 0.37–2.80 nM, σ2 affinities were 1.03–34.3 nM, and selectivities, as σ2/σ1 affinity ratios, ranged from 1.4 to 52. Three compounds tested in a phenytoin shift binding assay profiled as probable σ1 antagonists. Quantitative structure–activity relationships depended on πx, MR or Es and Hammett σ values. The hydrophobicity term is negative for σ1 binding but positive for σ2 binding, indicating a major difference between the pharmacophores.Quantitative structure–activity relationships depended on πx, MR or Es, and Hammett σ values. The hydrophobicity term is negative for σ1 binding but positive for σ2 binding.

5-Bromo-N-[4-(6,7-dimethoxy-3,4-dihydro-1H-isoquinolin-2-yl)-butyl)]-2,3-dimethoxy-benzamide (1) is one of the most potent and selective σ2 receptor ligands reported to date. Previous structure-activity relationship studies of such tetrahydroisoquinolinyl benzamides have focused on the linker that connects the ring systems and the effects of benzamide ring substituents. The present study explores the effects of fusing methylene-, ethylene-, and propylenedioxy rings onto the tetrahydroisoquinoline in place of the two methoxy groups. These modifications decreased σ2 affinity by 8- to 12-fold, with no major differences noted with ring size. By contrast, the methylenedioxy analog showed a 10-fold greater σ1 affinity than 1, and progressively lower σ1 affinities were then noted with increasing ring size. We also opened the tetrahydroisoquinoline ring of 1 to study the effects of greater conformational fluidity on σ receptor binding. The σ2 affinity of the open-ring compound decreased by 1700-fold, while σ1 affinity was not changed. Thus, a constrained tetrahydroisoquinoline ring system is key to the exceptional σ2 receptor binding affinity and selectivity of this active series.Synthetic modification at two sites on the tetrahydroisoquinolinyl benzamide resulted in significant changes to σ receptor affinity and selectivity.

IntroductionAspects of radiopharmaceutical development are illustrated through preclinical studies of [125I]-(E)-1-(2-(2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl)ethyl)-4-(iodoallyl)piperazine ([125I]-E-IA-BF-PE-PIPZE), a radioligand for sigma-1 (σ1) receptors, coupled with examples from the recent literature. Findings are compared to those previously observed for [125I]-(E)-1-(2-(2,3-dimethoxy-5-yl)ethyl)-4-(iodoallyl)piperazine ([125I]-E-IA-DM-PE-PIPZE).MethodsSyntheses of E-IA-BF-PE-PIPZE and [125I]-E-IA-BF-PE-PIPZE were accomplished by standard methods. In vitro receptor binding studies and autoradiography were performed, and binding potential was predicted. Measurements of lipophilicity and protein binding were obtained. In vivo studies were conducted in mice to evaluate radioligand stability, as well as specific binding to σ1 sites in brain, brain regions and peripheral organs in the presence and absence of potential blockers.ResultsE-IA-BF-PE-PIPZE exhibited high affinity and selectivity for σ1 receptors (Ki = 0.43 ± 0.03 nM, σ2/σ1 = 173). [125I]-E-IA-BF-PE-PIPZE was prepared in good yield and purity, with high specific activity. Radioligand binding provided dissociation (koff) and association (kon) rate constants, along with a measured Kd of 0.24 ± 0.01 nM and Bmax of 472 ± 13 fmol/mg protein. The radioligand proved suitable for quantitative autoradiography in vitro using brain sections. Moderate lipophilicity, Log D7.4 2.69 ± 0.28, was determined, and protein binding was 71 ± 0.3%. In vivo, high initial whole brain uptake, >6% injected dose/g, cleared slowly over 24 h. Specific binding represented 75% to 93% of total binding from 15 min to 24 h. Findings were confirmed and extended by regional brain biodistribution. Radiometabolites were not observed in brain (1%).ConclusionsSubstitution of dihydrobenzofuranylethyl for dimethoxyphenethyl increased radioligand affinity for σ1 receptors by 16-fold. While high specific binding to σ1 receptors was observed for both radioligands in vivo, [125I]-E-IA-BF-PE-PIPZE displayed much slower clearance kinetics than [125I]-E-IA-DM-PE-PIPZE. Thus, minor structural modifications of σ1 receptor radioligands lead to major differences in binding properties in vitro and in vivo.

103Rhodium(III) complexes derived from seven acyclic tetradentate N2S2 ligands (one diaminedithiol and six diaminedithioether ligands) have been synthesized and characterized. Structural variations in the ligand include the length of carbon backbone between the coordinating atoms (222; 232; 323; 333), the presence or absence of gem-dimethyl groups α to sulfur, and the nature of the organic moiety on the sulfurs (hydrogen, p-methoxybenzyl and methyl). For each ligand, the formation of cis and/or trans dichloro isomeric complexes was assessed. Two complexes have been further characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Preparation of the 103Rhodium(III) complexes was conducted and overall radiochemical yields, in vitro stability and log D7.4 values were measured. From these studies, the ligand with the 232 chain length, gem-dimethyl groups and the methyl thioether (L4) emerged as a preferred ligand for formation of rhodium complexes with trans geometry and highest radiochemical yields.