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A M Doherty

Publications and source records attributed to A M Doherty.

72 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Antagonism of renal and systemic responses to endothelin-1 infusion with PD 145065.

The antagonism by PD 145065 (Ac-D-Bhg-L-Leu-L-Asp-L-Ile-L-Ile-L-Trp; D-Bhg = 5H-dibenzyl[a,d]cycloheptene-10,11-dihydroglycine), a non-selective endothelin ETA and ETB receptor antagonist, of the pressor and renal haemodynamic responses to an infusion of endothelin-1 was investigated in the anaesthetised rat. Infusion of endothelin-1 at 2 or 4 pmol/min/rat for 2 h produced a significant increase in mean arterial blood pressure and renal vascular resistance. Glomerular filtration rate was reduced by both infusion rates of endothelin-1 (-34% for the lower rate and -72% for the higher rate), but only the high rate significantly reduced renal blood flow (-64%). These effects of endothelin-1 were completely blocked by infusion of PD 145065 (0.05 mg/min/rat), demonstrating the efficacy of this antagonist in preventing the actions of endothelin-1 in vivo. These results lend support to an involvement of endothelin ETB receptors in the renal effects of endothelin-1.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Characterization of endothelins as chemoattractants for human neutrophils.

The chemotactic response of human neutrophils to endothelins (ET) and ET-derived peptides was examined. ET-1, ET-2, and ET-3 elicited maximum responses at 10(-7), 3.3 x 10(-8) and 10(-7) M, respectively. Relative activities of the peptides at their optimal concentrations were: ET-1, ET-2 > ET-3. The chemotactic activity of ET-1 was localized to its Leu6-Met7-Asp8 segment. Conformation of the disulfide-linked Cys3-Cys11 loop appears to be critical for proper orientation of the chemotactic epitope. In comparison, ET-1 failed to stimulate the neutrophil respiratory burst, degranulation or arachidonic acid metabolism. These results demonstrate the selective chemoattractant activity of endothelins for human neutrophils.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[125I]-PD151242: a selective radioligand for human ETA receptors.

Our aim was to synthesize a new endothelin ETA selective radioligand, [125I]-PD151242 and characterize the compound in human vascular tissue. Binding of [125I]-PD151242 to sections of human aorta was time-dependent and reached equilibrium after 120 min at 23 degrees C with an association rate constant of 1.26 +/- 0.17 x 10(8) M-1 min-1 (n = 3 individuals +/- s.e.mean). The binding was reversible at 23 degrees C with an observed dissociation rate constant of 0.0025 +/- 0.0006 min-1 (n = 3). Saturation binding assays using [125I]-PD151242 revealed a single population of high affinity ET receptors (n = 3) in aorta (KD = 0.76 +/- 0.17 nM; Bmax = 5.98 +/- 1.56 fmol mg-1 protein), pulmonary (KD = 1.75 +/- 0.20 nM; Bmax = 12.78 +/- 1.39 fmol mg-1 protein) and coronary arteries (KD = 0.51 +/- 0.07 nM; Bmax = 44.9 +/- 1.67 fmol mg-1 protein). ETA selective ligands competed for [125I]-PD151242 binding in aorta with nanomolar affinity (BQ123, KD = 0.41 +/- 0.26 nM; FR139317, KD = 0.55 +/- 0.11 nM) whereas the ETB selective compound, BQ3020, competed with micromolar affinity (KD = 1.36 +/- 0.25 microM). In isolated coronary arteries, PD151242 was a functional antagonist and caused a significant, parallel rightward shift of the ET-1 dose-response curve with a pA2 value of 5.92 (n = 5) and a slope of unity. The high affinity and selectivity of [125I]-PD151242 for ETA receptors will facilitate the characterization of this sub-type in human tissues.

Adult↗

Effects of selective endothelin antagonists on the hemodynamic response to cyclosporin A.

Cyclosporin A (CsA) treatment is associated with hypertension and renal dysfunction. Increased circulating endothelin (ET) has been implicated in this renal dysfunction, which is secondary to renal vasoconstriction and decreases in RBF. The effects of the selective blockade of ETA receptors or the combined blockade of ETA and ETB receptors on the acute hemodynamic response to CsA in anesthetized rats were examined. Rats were pretreated with vehicle, BQ-123 (selective ETA receptor antagonist; 0.6 micron/kg per minute), or BQ-123 and PD 142893 (combined ETA/ETB receptor antagonist; 0.6 micron/kg per minute) to achieve both ETA and ETB receptor blockade. After a 10-min pretreatment, CsA (20 mg/kg over 10 min) was administered; mean arterial blood pressure, RBF, and iliac blood flow were monitored continuously. Hemodynamic responses to exogenous endothelin-1 (ET-1, 0.3 and 1 nmol/kg) with and without antagonist pretreatment were measured in separate groups to demonstrate effective receptor blockade. CsA elevated blood pressure 17 to 20% in all three groups; renal resistance maximally increased 23, 20, and 23% in vehicle, BQ-123, and BQ-123 and PD 142893 pretreated groups, respectively. In contrast, the combination of BQ-123 and PD 142893 blocked systemic pressor responses to 0.3 and 1 nmol of ET-1 approximately 50 and 37%, respectively; changes in renal resistance were blocked 81 and 89%, respectively. In conclusion, the elevation in systemic blood pressure and the renal vasoconstrictor activity of CsA do not appear to be mediated through ETA or ETB receptors.

Animals↗

Structure-activity relationships of C-terminal endothelin hexapeptide antagonists.

The discovery of selective endothelin (ET) receptor antagonists will facilitate identification of the physiological and pathological roles for ET and its isopeptides. Structure-activity studies of the C-terminal hexapeptide of ET have been carried out to elucidate those amino acids important for receptor binding and agonist or antagonist activity. Binding studies were performed in rat heart ventricle, rabbit renal artery vascular smooth muscle cells, and rat cerebellum. In addition, many of the compounds have been evaluated functionally for their effects on endothelin-1-induced arachidonic acid release and inositol phosphate accumulation in specific cell lines. Selected compounds have been evaluated in a functional bioassay in tissue preparations specifically expressing either ETA or ETB receptors. We have previously described the structure-activity relationships in the hydrophobic C-terminal hexapeptide of ET, a region known to be highly important for receptor recognition. A mono-D-amino acid scan of the ET[16-21] revealed that substitution at His gave rise to analogs with significantly enhanced binding affinity. We have further evaluated the C-terminal region and will describe the design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of several novel and potent ET peptide receptor antagonists.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

In vitro and in vivo studies with a series of hexapeptide endothelin antagonists.

The effects of different amino acids incorporated into the 16 and 17 positions of the C-terminal hexapeptide of ET-1 were examined. Structure-activity relationships (SAR) of the ET receptor antagonists PD 142893 [Ac-(D-Dip16-L-Leu17-L-Asp-L-Ile-L-Ile-L-Trp) (D-Dip = 3,3-D-diphenylalanine)] and PD 145065 [Ac-(D-Bhg16-L-Leu17-L-Asp-L-Ile-L-Ile-L-Trp) (D-Bhg = 5H-dibenzyl[a,d]cycloheptene-10,11-dihydro-glycine)] uncovered certain requirements for high potency. The disodium salt of PD 145065 has 4.0 and 15 nM binding affinity (IC50 values) for the ETA (rabbit renal artery vascular smooth-muscle cells) and ETB receptor (rat cerebellum), respectively. The compound is also an antagonist of ET-1- and SRTX-6c-stimulated vasoconstrictor activity, with pA2 values of 6.9 (rabbit femoral artery, ETA assay) and 7.1 (rabbit pulmonary artery, ETB assay). The tripeptidic ETA antagonist FR 139317 was found to be less active in the rabbit femoral artery, with a pA2 value of 6.0, and inactive in the rabbit pulmonary artery. Substitution of acidic and basic residues at position 17 in PD 142893 and PD 145065 indicates differences in selectivity. Incorporation of bulky non-natural amino acids at position 16 has led to potent nonselective analogues, including Ac-D-Bheg16-L-Leu-L-Asp-L-Ile-L-Ile-L-Trp [D-Bheg (5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene glycine)]. The in vivo effects of single-bolus doses of selected ET antagonists on depressor and pressor responses to ET-1 in anesthetized ganglion-blocked rats were evaluated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Structure-activity relationships of a series of 2-amino-4-thiazole-containing renin inhibitors.

A series of renin inhibitors was synthesized that contained a 2-amino-4-thiazolyl moiety at the P2 position. These derivatives are potent inhibitors of monkey renin in vitro and are selective in that they only weakly inhibit the closely related aspartic proteinase, bovine cathepsin D. Four compounds exhibited oral blood pressure lowering activity in high-renin normotensive monkeys. One of these compounds, 22 (PD 134672), was selected for further evaluation in renal hypertensive monkeys, on the basis of its superior efficacy and duration of action in the in vitro assays and the normotensive primate model.

Animals↗

The solution structure of a cyclic endothelin antagonist, BQ-123, based on 1H-1H and 13C-1H three bond coupling constants.

A cyclic pentapeptide endothelin antagonist, cyclo(dTrp-dAsp-Pro-dVal-Leu), recently reported (K. Ishikawa et al., 13th Am. Pept. Symp., Cambridge MA, 1991) has been studied by NMR spectroscopy and molecular modeling. A stable structure has been determined without the use of nuclear Overhauser effects and is based primarily on homonuclear and heteronuclear three bond coupling constants. The 13C-edited TOCSY experiment is demonstrated at natural abundance and approximately 30 mM peptide concentrations. Three bond 13C-1H coupling constants obtained by this method are shown to reduce the ambiguity in phi angle determination which exists when only interproton coupling constants are used. Three out of four phi angles were determined uniquely by this method and the fourth was reduced to two possible values. The proline phi angle was determined to be -78 degrees based on the 3JH alpha, H beta and 3JH alpha, H beta coupling constants. Comparison of amide proton temperature dependence, chemical shifts and vicinal proton coupling constants in a 20% acetonitrile/80% water solvent mixture and in (CD3)2SO indicates that the structure is similar in both solvents.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Renin inhibitors containing alpha-heteroatom amino acids as P2 residues.

A series of renin inhibitors having alpha-heteroatom amino acids as P2 substitutions has been prepared. Examples where the heteroatom is oxygen, sulfur, or nitrogen are described. Many of the compounds exhibit subnanomolar potency when tested in vitro against monkey renin. When selected compounds were tested orally in conscious, salt-depleted, normotensive, Cynomolgus monkeys, low to moderate blood pressure lowering was observed. At an oral dose of 30 mg/kg, compound 53a lowered blood pressure by a maximum of 18 mmHg at 2.5 h post-dose.

Amino Acids↗

Endothelin and structurally related analogs distinguish between endothelin receptor subtypes.

The endothelin (ET) analog ET-1[1,3,11,15-Ala] was compared with ET-1, ET-2, ET-3 and sarafotoxins (SRTX) S6b and S6c for receptor binding and function. All the peptides exhibited high affinity binding and contracted rabbit pulmonary artery with near equal potency. In rat aorta both ET-3 and ET-1 [1,3,11,15-Ala] bound with much lower affinity than ET-1 while ET-3 displayed weak contractile potency and ET-1 [1,3,11,15-Ala] and SRTX-c were inactive. In rat left atria, ET-1 [1,3,11,15-Ala] and SRTX-c were weak inhibitors of binding and were also functionally inactive, whereas ET-1, ET-2, ET-3, and SRTX-b were equipotent in producing contractile responses. The data support the idea of there being a predominance of ETA receptors in rat aorta and ETB receptors in rabbit pulmonary artery. In rat left atria, the ET receptor could not be readily classified into ETA or ETB and suggests the existence of a new receptor subtype.

Animals↗

Importance of secondary structure for endothelin binding and functional activity.

ET-1[16-Phe] and ET-1[12-Pro] were prepared in order to investigate the importance of secondary structure of ET-1 for receptor binding and function. ET-1[16-Phe] displayed the greatest binding and contractile potency of the ET-analogs tested in rabbit pulmonary artery, rat aorta, and rat left atria. ET-1[12-Pro] also exhibited low nanomolar binding in these tissues but showed less contractile activity than ET-1[16-Phe] or ET-1. The results indicate that the helical region between residues Lys9 and Cys15 of ET-1 is not critical for receptor binding and functional activity. However, replacement of His16 with Phe altered the charge characteristics of the C-terminal region of ET-1 producing the most potent ET-1 analog yet reported.

Animals↗

Design and synthesis of potent, selective, and orally active fluorine-containing renin inhibitors.

A series of primate renin inhibitors containing difluorocarbinol and difluoroketone groups at the P1-P1' position have been synthesized and studied both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, the compounds were evaluated as inhibitors of monkey renin and the closely related aspartic proteinase, cathepsin D (bovine), as a measure of enzyme selectivity. Interestingly, the difluoroketone derivatives showed greatly reduced selectivity compared with the corresponding alcohols. However, selectivity could be enhanced by judicious choice of other substituents. Sites influencing selectivity, included not only P2, which is well-known to strongly affect selectivity, but also the P4, P1-P1', and P2' sites. These results make possible the design of inhibitors with a greater selectivity for either renin versus cathepsin D. In vivo several of the compounds in the difluoroketone series have shown good oral activity in the salt depleted normotensive cynomolgus monkey model.

Administration, Oral↗

New inhibitors of human renin that contain novel replacements at the P2 site.

A series of renin inhibitors with novel modifications at the P2 site has been prepared. Structure-activity relationships reveal that for a particular P2 fragment the in vitro potency is highly dependent on the nature of the P2' portion in addition to the P1-P1' group. The length of the P2 side chain and choice of epsilon-N P2 substitution have been found to be important for in vitro potency although the degree of unsaturation in the P2 side chain is not particularly significant. Molecular modeling studies have shown that it is possible for the P2 side chain to interact unfavorably with the P2' binding site. It has been possible to control the specificity for renin over cathepsin D by correct modification at the P2' and P1-P1' sites. Variations at the P4 site have been utilized to lower the log P values of these renin inhibitors while maintaining high potency. Compound 42, which exhibited an IC50 of 3.70 nM, log P of 2.3, and showed high specificity for renin, was selected for further studies. It was found to be very stable under neutral, acidic, and basic conditions. In simulated intestinal juice, compound 42 had a half-life of 37 min while it was virtually unaffected by simulated gastric juice after 4 h. Compound 42 produced a significant hypotensive response upon intravenous administration to the salt-depleted normotensive cynomolgus monkey.

Animals↗

Structure-activity studies of the C-terminal region of the endothelins and the sarafotoxins.

Peptides corresponding to the C-terminal 16-21 hexapeptide of the endothelins (-His-Leu-Asp-Ile-Ile-Trp) and sarafotoxins (a-c) (-His-Gln-Asp-Val-Ile-Trp) were prepared to study the role of the individual amino acids in receptor recognition and activation. Receptor binding in rabbit aorta, rabbit pulmonary artery, and rat heart ventricle is reported for all analogues. In addition, selected C-terminal hexapeptides have been evaluated functionally in two tissues (rabbit pulmonary artery and rat left atria). The C-terminal carboxylate, indole nitrogen, and nature of the aromatic residue are all important for receptor binding, but N-terminal acetylation has no effect. L-Amino acids are required in positions 19 and 21, whereas D-amino acids are tolerated in 17 and 18. D-Amino acids in positions 16 and 20 enhance the binding affinity of the hexapeptide in all three tissues. The nature of the basic residue at position 16 is important. Glu and Asn are acceptable substitutions for Asp18, although Ala leads to a substantial loss in binding. The binding of the C-terminal hexapeptide of SRTX-a, -b, and -c is less than ET[16-21] and this appears to be primarily due to the substitution of Gln for Leu17. None of the 16-21 hexapeptides showed any functional activity in the tissues studied.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Monocyclic endothelins: examination of the importance of the individual disulfide rings.

Monocyclic fragment analogues of endothelin-1 (ET-1) were prepared by standard solid-phase peptide synthetic methods. The analogues were designed to determine the importance of the unique bicyclic structure of the endothelins, vasoactive intestinal contractor, and the sarafotoxins to their binding affinity and functional activity. The binding affinity of the monocyclic analogues to the endothelin receptor was examined in three tissue preparations: (a) rabbit pulmonary artery, (b) rabbit aorta, and (c) rat heart ventricle. Functional activity was assessed in two tissues: (a) rabbit pulmonary artery and (b) rat left atria. Binding was not observed for the disulfide bridged cyclic 3-11 loop of ET-1 at concentrations of up to 100 microM. Attachment of the weakly binding 16-21 C-terminal hexapeptide of ET-1 to the cyclic 3-11 loop did not significantly enhance the observed receptor binding over that of the hexapeptide. Monocyclic Cys-Ser-Aoc-Val-Tyr-Phe-Cys-His-Leu-Asp-Ile-Ile-Trp (Aoc = 8-aminooctanoic acid) exhibited the greatest binding affinity (1.0 to 1.6 microM) in all three tissues, but was still approximately 1,000-fold less effective than ET-1. At concentrations of up to 30 microM, none of the analogues exhibited any functional activity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Truncated analogues of endothelin and sarafotoxin are selective for the ETB receptor subtype.

The sarafotoxins (SRTXs) are a family of 21-amino acid bicyclic peptides that are structurally similar to the potent vasoconstrictors, the endothelins (ETs). SRTX-6c exhibits high selectivity for the ETB receptor subtype over the ETA subtype. This selectivity may be a result of a modification at positions 9 or 13, which are Glu9 and Asn13 in SRTX-6c and Lys9 and Tyr13 in ET-1. The truncated linear endothelin [Ala11,15]ET-18-21 was also on ETB receptor-selective ligand with 6-nM binding affinity. Therefore, a series of truncated endothelin/sarafotoxin (8-21) hybrid analogues were prepared, varying the amino acid at residues 9 and/or 13. These peptides were assayed for binding in tissues selectively expressing either the ETA or the ETB receptor subtypes. All linear analogues showed poor ETA binding, while ETB affinity was sequence dependent. Monocyclic 11-15 disulfide-containing analogues failed to bind to either ETA or ETB receptors at concentrations of up to 10 microM.

Amino Acid Sequence↗