Search

Achieving durable protective immunity following vaccination is dependent on many factors, including vaccine composition and antigen dose, and it has been investigated for various types of vaccines. Aim of the present study was to investigate the overall immune response elicited by two different booster doses in CD-1 mice, by exploiting the largely used 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine Prevnar 13® (PCV13). Immunization was performed by two primary doses of PCV13 two weeks apart, and a full or fractional (1/5) booster dose on week 10. Serotype-specific antibody titer, avidity, and opsonophagocytic activity were evaluated one week later, and compared to cell-mediated immunity (CMI) responses determined as the frequency of cytokines producing splenocytes by in vitro recall with the antigens (carrier protein and polysaccharides). Data showed that regardless of the booster dose, a comparable humoral response was produced, characterized by similar amounts of serotype-specific antibodies, with analog avidity and opsonophagocytic properties. On the other hand, when CMI was evaluated, the presence of CRM197-specific IL-5 and IL-2 producing cells was evident in splenocytes from mice immunized with the full dose, while in those immunized with the fractional booster dose, IFN-γ producing cells responsive to both protein and polysaccharide antigens were significantly increased, whereas the number of IL-5 and IL-2 positive cells remained unaffected. Overall the present findings show that PCV13 humoral response in mice is associated to a Th2 predominant response at the full booster dose, while the fractional one favors a mixed Th1/Th2 response, suggesting an important role of CMI besides measurement of functional protective antibodies, as an additional and important key information in vaccine development., Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine; CD-1 mice; Humoral response; Cell-mediated immunity; Booster dose; Cytokine production.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist ibodutant is under Phase III clinical investigation to treat female patients with irritable bowel syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate the NK2 receptor-related gender specificity in a model of colitis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Colitis was induced by rectal instillation of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS, 0.5 mL, 30 mg·mL(-1) in 30% ethanol) in female and male guinea pigs. Electromyographic recording of the responses to colorectal distension (CRD) was made 3 days later. Ibodutant (0.33 , 0.65, 1.9 and 6.5 mg·kg(-1) ) was given s.c., 30 min before CRD. Release of neurokinin A and substance P from isolated mucosal and smooth muscle tissues following treatment with KCl (80 mM) or capsaicin (10 μM) was measured by EIA. Plasma pharmacokinetics of ibodutant following a single s.c. administration (0.73 or 2.1 mg·kg(-1) ) were measured over 24 h. KEY RESULTS Ibodutant did not affect abdominal contractions in control animals. After TNBS-induced colitis, ibodutant prevented the increased visceral hypersensitivity to CRD in females, at lower doses than in males. Ibodutant pharmacokinetics did not differ between females and males. Tachykinins release was greater in smooth muscle than in mucosal samples. Capsaicin-stimulated release of tachykinins from inflamed mucosal samples from females was significantly lower than in males. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Ibodutant prevented abdominal nociception in a model of visceral hypersensitivity in guinea pigs with a greater efficacy in females than in males. Our results highlight a gender-related difference in colonic visceral hypersensitivity and mucosal nerve activation.

Urotensin II (U-II) is a disulfide bridged peptide hormone identified as the ligand of a G-protein-coupled receptor. Human U-II (H-Glu-Thr-Pro-Asp-c[Cys-Phe-Trp-Lys-Tyr-Cys]-Val-OH) has been described as the most potent vasoconstrictor compound identified to date. We have recently identified both a superagonist of human U-II termed P5U (H-Asp-c[Pen-Phe-Trp-Lys-Tyr-Cys]-Val-OH) and the compound termed urantide (H-Asp-c[Pen-Phe-D-Trp-Orn-Tyr-Cys]-Val-OH), which is the most potent UT receptor peptide antagonist described to date. In the present study, we have synthesized four analogues of P5U and urantide in which the Trp 7 residue was replaced by the highly constrained L-Tpi and D-Tpi residues. The replacement of the Trp 7 by Tpi led to active analogues. Solution NMR analysis

We have optimized 1 (P5U) and urantide, two important ligands at the h-UT receptor, designing several analogues by the exchange of the Tyr9 residue with different unnatural aromatic amino acids. This study allowed us to discover novel ligands with improved activity. In particular, the replacement of the Tyr9 residue by (pCN)Phe or (pNO2)Phe within the urantide sequence led to compounds 13 (UPG-83) and 15 (UPG-95), respectively, which showed pure antagonist activity toward UT receptor in a rat aorta bioassay. More interestingly, the replacement of the Tyr9 in 1 sequence with the Btz or the (3,4-Cl)Phe residues led to superagonists 6 (UPG-100) and 10 (UPG-92) with pEC50 values at least 1.4 log higher than that of 1, being the most potent UT agonists discovered to date. Compounds 10 and 13 showed also a good stability in a serum proteolytic assay. These ligands represent new useful tools to further characterize the urotensinergic system in human physiopathology.

Previous modifications of the peptide sequence of human urotensin-II (U-II) led to the identification of two well-known ligands: P5U and urantide. These derivatives are considered to be the most representative agonist and antagonist, respectively, at the human urotensin receptor (UT). Optimization of P5U and urantide was carried out to stabilize specific conformations that may suggest new elements for discriminating agonist versus antagonist activity. We studied novel derivatives containing uncoded amino acids. In particular, the Tyr(9) residue of both P5U and urantide was replaced with nonaromatic hydrophobic bulky residues, as well as conformationally constrained aromatic moieties to generate eight novel derivatives. These analogues further contributed to determining the influence of such residues on binding affinity for and biological activity at UT. One of these eight peptides was also investigated by NMR spectroscopy and docking studies owing to its peculiar conformational properties and mode of interaction with UT. This structure-activity study is aimed at a more thorough examination of the role of tyrosine in modulating the agonism/antagonism of human U-II.

This study investigates the effect of the selective and potent B2 receptor antagonist fasitibant (MEN16132) on the proinflammatory effect of bradykinin (BK) and its interaction with interleukin 1β (IL-1β) in human synoviocytes. PGE2 content was detected in the surnatants and COX-2 and COX-1 gene and protein expression determined in the cells. Radioligand binding ([3 H]BK) and BK-induced inositolphosphate experiments were performed. Incubation of synoviocytes with BK induced a sustained production of PGE2 and transient COX-2 gene expression that were prevented by pretreatment with fasitibant (1 μM, 30 min preincubation). IL-1β increased PGE2 release and COX-2 expression more than BK alone. The combined treatment of cells with BK and IL-1β induced an even increase of released PGE2 and COX-2 gene and protein expression indicating a synergistic rather than an additive effect, not related to an increase of B2 receptors density or its coupling. These potentiating effects of BK on PGE2 production and increased COX-2 expression produced by IL-1β were B2-receptor-mediated as fasitibant could prevent them. None of the treatments induced changes in the COX-1 expression. The synergistic PGE2 production was abolished by the specific NF–kappaB inhibitor (BAY-117085), whereas specific inhibitors for the p38 (SB203580), JNK (SP600125), and ERK1/2 (PD98059) mitogen-activated protein kinases could prevent the prostanoid release. BK can potentiate the COX-2 gene expression and consequent prostanoid production induced by IL-1β. The prevention of this synergism by fasitibant indicates BK B2 receptor blockade as an alternative symptomatic therapy for osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Icatibant is a well-known kinin B2 receptor antagonist currently used for angiooedema attacks. MEN16132 is a non-peptide B2 receptor antagonist, more potent and long lasting than icatibant in different models. Here we studied the reasons for these differences between the two antagonists. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Rate of reversibility (over about 3 h) of the functional receptor blockade exerted by the antagonists was compared (inositol phosphates accumulation assay) in CHO cells expressing the human B2 receptor and in human synovial cells. Antagonist pretreated cells were washed with medium and the time taken to restore bradykinin (BK) response measured. Antagonist affinity was measured by radioligand binding to wild type and mutated B2 receptors. KEY RESULTS Recovery of BK-induced responses was slower in cells pretreated with MEN16132 than in those treated with icatibant. The affinity of icatibant (for the [3H]-BK or the B2 receptor antagonist [3H]-MEN11270 binding site) was compared to that of MEN16132 using a panel of point-mutated receptors with mutations located at the transmembrane regions of the B2 receptor, previously shown to decrease MEN16132 high affinity interaction. No consistent decrease of icatibant affinity was observed. From the different affinity of MEN16132 derivatives at wild type and W86A (transmembrane 2 region) receptors, and by evaluating its antagonist profile at the D266A/D284A double mutant receptor, a model of the MEN16132-B2 receptor complex is proposed. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS MEN16132 dissociated from the B2 receptor compartment more slowly than icatibant and interacted at a deeper level in transmembrane regions of the receptor.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In osteoarthritis (OA), bradykinin (BK) is known to contribute to pain and synovitis, but not to cartilage degradation. Here, we investigated effects of BK and its antagonists on chondrocytes, cells involved in cartilage homeostasis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH BK receptor density and affinities of BK, its analogues and antagonists were measured in cultured human and rat chondrocytes by radioligand binding. Effects of BK were assessed by accumulation of inositol phosphates (IP) and release of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8. KEY RESULTS Density of [3H]-BK binding sites was higher (13–30-fold) and BK evoked a greater (48-fold) IP production, in human than in rat chondrocytes. The BK B2 receptor antagonists MEN16132 and icatibant displayed similar binding affinity. MEN16132 was 40-fold more potent than icatibant in the IP assay. In human chondrocytes, BK increased release (over 24 h) of IL-6 and IL-8, effects blocked by MEN16132 but not by the B1 receptor antagonist Lys-[Leu8][desArg9]BK. BK-induced release of IL-6, but not of IL-8, was partially inhibited by indomethacin (10 µM) and nordihydroguaiaretic acid (10 µM). Antagonists for the prostanoid EP receptors (AH6809 10 µM; L-798 196, 200 nM; L-161 982, 1 µM) were ineffective. Dexamethasone (100 nM) partially inhibited release of both IL-6 and IL-8. Inhibitors of intracellular downstream signalling pathways (SB203580 10 µM; PD98059, 30 µM; SP600125, 30 µM; BAY-117085, 5 µM) indicated the involvement of p38 MAPK and the activation of NF-κB. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS BK mediated inflammatory changes and cartilage degradation and B2 receptor blockade would, therefore, be a potential treatment for OA.

As part of a project aimed at the identification of a series of small, orally available antagonists for the hNK(2) receptor, starting from one of our capped dipeptide libraries, we succeeded in the chemical optimization of the first identified leads, finally producing a class of molecules with significant activity in our animal model after iv administration. We herein report the results of further chemical modifications made to reduce the overall peptide character of this series and the consequent improvement of their in vivo antagonist activity. The present work identified 6-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (1-[(S)-1-benzyl-4-[4-(tetrahydropyran-4-ylmethyl)piperazin-1-yl]butylcarbamoyl]cyclopentyl)amide (10i), endowed with subnanomolar potency in all the in vitro tests and being highly potent and of long duration upon in vivo testing after both iv and id dosing.

Herein we describe the synthesis of a series of new potent tachykinin NK(2) receptor antagonists by the modulation of the C- and N-terminal moieties of ibodutant (MEN 15596, 1). The N-terminal benzo[b]thiophene ring was replaced by different substituted naphthalenes and benzofurans, while further modifications were evaluated at the C-terminal tetrahydropyran moiety. Most compounds demonstrated a high affinity for the human NK(2) receptor and high in vitro antagonist potency, indicating that a wide range of substituents at both termini can be incorporated in the molecule without detrimental effects on the interactions with the NK(2) receptor. Selected compounds were tested in vivo confirming their activity as NK(2) antagonists. In particular, after both iv and id administration to guinea pig, compound 61 b was able to antagonize NK(2)-induced colonic contractions with a potency and duration-of-action fully comparable to the reference compound 1 (MEN 15596, ibodutant).

Background and purpose: Bradykinin (BK) and B2 receptors have been implicated in the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis (OA), and synovitis is one of its hallmarks. Here, the selective B2 receptor antagonists MEN16132 and icatibant have been pharmacologically characterized in human synovial cells. Experimental approach: Radioligand and functional studies (inositol phosphate (IP) accumulation, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 release) were performed in cultured synoviocytes. Key results: [3H]-BK saturation studies indicated receptor density (Bmax) and Kd values of 121 550 sites per cell and 1.14 nM respectively. In synoviocytes, MEN16132 (pKi 8.9) was threefold more potent than icatibant (pKi 8.4). Both antagonists showed competitive antagonism in the BK-induced IP assay (control EC50 0.45 nM), with pKB values of 9.9 (MEN16132) and 8.1 (icatibant). 24h incubation with BK induced IL-6 (EC50 216 nM) and IL-8 (EC50 53 nM) release. Both MEN16132 (IL-6: pIC50 8.1; IL-8: pIC50 8.4) and icatibant (IL-6: pIC50 6.6; IL-8: pIC50 6.7) completely prevented this BK-induced release. Indomethacin did not affect the basal or the IL-6/IL-8 release induced by BK, whereas nordihydroguaiaretic acid decreased the basal release, although BK still increased IL-6 and IL-8 production. BK-induced IL-8 release was attenuated by inhibitors of phospholipase C (U73122), p38 (SB203580), JNK (SP600125), ERK 1/2 (PD98059) MAPKs, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (LY294002), NF-κb (BAY-117085) and by the glucocorticoid dexamethasone. Conclusions and implications: Bradykinin via B2 receptors can participate in inflammatory events in synovitis. MEN16132 is a highly potent B2 receptor antagonist capable of blocking pro-inflammatory responses to BK evoked in human synoviocytes.

Ibodutant (MEN15596, [1-(2-phenyl-1R-[[1-(tetrahydropyran-4-ylmethyl)-piperidin-4-ylmethyl]-carbamoyl]-ethylcarbamoyl)-cyclopentyl]-amide) is a tachykinin NK(2) receptor (NK(2)R) antagonist currently under phase II clinical trials for irritable bowel syndrome. This study focuses on the ibodutant pharmacodynamic profile at the human NK(2)R and compares it with two other antagonists, nepadutant (MEN11420, (cyclo-[[Asn(beta-D-GlcNAc)-Asp-Trp-Phe-Dpr-Leu]cyclo(2beta-5beta)]) and saredutant [SR48968, (S)-N-methyl-N[4-(4-acetylamino-4-phenylpiperidino)-2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)butyl]benzamide]. In functional experiments (phosphatidylinositol accumulation) in Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing the human NK(2)R, ibodutant potency measured toward concentration-response curves to neurokinin A as pK(B) was 10.6, and its antagonism mechanism was surmountable and competitive. In the same assay, antagonism equilibration and reversibility experiments of receptor blockade indicated that ibodutant quickly attains equilibrium and that reverts from receptor compartment in a slower manner. Kinetic properties of ibodutant were assessed through competitive binding kinetics experiments performed at [(3)H]nepadutant and [(3)H]saredutant binding sites. Determined K(on) and K(off) values indicated a fast association and slow dissociation rate of ibodutant at the different antagonist binding sites. Last, by radioligand binding experiments at some mutated human tachykinin NK(2)Rs, the amino acidic determinants crucial for the high affinity of ibodutant were identified at the transmembrane (TM) level: Cys167 in TM4; Ile202 and Tyr206 in TM5; Phe270, Tyr266, and Trp263 in TM6; and Tyr289 in TM7. These results indicated an extended antagonist binding pocket in the TM portion of the receptor, which is conceived crucial for TM3 and 6 arrangement and leads to G protein-coupled receptor activation. By combining this information and molecular modeling, the docking mode of ibodutant-human NK(2)R complex is proposed.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful and degenerating progressive disease of the joints which affects millions of patients worldwide. The cause of OA is largely unknown. Among the potential therapies for the symptomatic treatment of OA, the intra-articular administration of a specific bradykinin (BK) B2 receptor antagonist has been reported to produce a long lasting analgesic effect in patients affected by knee OA. BK is a vasodilator and inflammatory nonapeptide which is generated in OA synovium. It contributes to the initiation and maintenance of inflammation, to exciting and sensitizing sensory nerve fibres, thus producing pain, and to activating synoviocytes and chondrocytes which are the main cells involved in the homeostasis of synovial fluid and cartilage, respectively. Moreover, BK synergistically potentiates the effects produced by pro-inflammatory cytokines. Biochemical and preclinical evidence supporting the therapeutic relevance of B2 receptor blockade in OA pathophysiology are reviewed in this publication.

The NK(2) receptor belongs to the family of tachykinin neurotransmitters. It has been reported to be involved in several pathological conditions, and selective antagonists are potentially useful drugs for the treatment of asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, cystitis, and depression. Starting from in-house capped dipeptide libraries, we were able to identify a number of molecules with sub-nanomolar binding affinity for the hNK(2) receptor. All were characterized by a rigid core structure with a strong constraint induced by an alpha,alpha-cyclopentaneglycine fragment. Herein we report the further elaboration of three initial basic structures. The planar benzothiophene group was substituted with a series of biphenyl and heterobiphenyl moieties that are well tolerated in terms of receptor affinity. The new compounds also maintained good antagonist potency in an in vitro functional assay, and a number of them showed significant in vivo activity after intravenous administration in our guinea pig model.

Starting from 1 (MEN14268), a selective tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist with an interesting in vitro pharmacological profile, a family of numerous antagonists was obtained through an optimization process focused on iterated structural modifications. The effects of the introduction of a wide variety of substituents on the lipophilic aromatic part of the molecule and the modulation of the structural constraint through the insertion of different achiral alpha,alpha-dialkylamino acids were investigated. In particular, aromatic and benzofused heteroaromatic moieties were introduced at the pseudo-N-terminal residue to replace the 2-benzothiophene moiety, and a systematic investigation of the best positioning of substituents onto the aromatic platform was reported for the benzothiophene core. Studies on the modulation of the length and the rigidity of the hydrophilic pseudo-C-terminal pendant are presented. Many heteroaliphatic groups are well tolerated by the receptor in this part of the ligand. The product 48f (MEN15596), bearing a methyl substituent on the benzothiophene and a tetrahydropyranylmethylpiperidine pendant, was finally selected for its good in vivo activity after intravenous, intraduodenal, and oral administration in guinea pigs.

Background and purpose: The aim was to characterize the recently discovered non-peptide antagonist MEN16132 at the mouse B2 receptor, relative to other antagonists. Experimental approach: [3H]-BK binding experiments used mouse lung and ileum tissue membranes and antagonist potency was measured in the isolated ileum contractility assay. Key results: Two BK binding sites resulted from saturation and homologous competition experiments. A role for the B1 receptor was excluded because of the poor affinity of B1 receptor ligands (pIC50 LF16-0687 (lung 8.9; ileum 8.8) > FR173657 (lung 8.6; ileum 8.2). BK homologous curves performed with lung membranes after treatment with the antagonist MEN16132 or Icatibant (10 nM) displayed only the low affinity site. The functional antagonism by MEN16132 (pA2 9.4) and Icatibant (pA2 9.1), towards BK (control EC50 6.1 nM) induced ileum contractions, was concentration-dependent and surmountable, but the Schild plot slope was less than unity. Conclusions and Implications: In mouse tissue, radiolabelled BK recognizes two binding sites and B2 receptor antagonists can compete only for the higher affinity one. The pharmacological profile of the novel non-peptide antagonist MEN16132 indicates that it exhibits subnanomolar affinity and potency for the mouse B2 receptor and is suitable for further characterization in in vivo pathophysiological models. British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 313–320. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706995

Recently we reported on the design and synthesis of a novel class of selective nonpeptide bradykinin (BK) B2 receptor antagonists (J. Med. Chem. 2006, 3602-3613). This work led to the discovery of MEN 15442, an antagonist with subnanomolar affinity for the human B2 receptor (hB2R), which also displayed significant and prolonged activity in vivo (for up to 210 min) against BK-induced bronchoconstriction in the guinea-pig at a dose of 300 nmol/kg (it), while demonstrating only a slight effect on BK-induced hypotension. Here we describe the further optimization of this series of compounds aimed at maximizing the effect on bronchoconstriction and minimizing the effect on hypotension, with a view to developing topically delivered drugs for airway diseases. The work led to the discovery of MEN 16132, a compound which, after intratracheal or aerosol administration, inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, BK-induced bronchoconstricton in the airways, while showing minimal systemic activity. This compound was selected as a preclinical candidate for the topical treatment of airway diseases involving kinin B2 receptor stimulation.

High affinity peptide ligands for the bradykinin (BK) B2 subtype receptor have been shown to adopt a β-turn conformation of the C-terminal tetrapeptide (H-Arg1-Pro2-Pro3-Gly4-Phe5-Ser6-Pro7-Phe8-Arg9-OH). We investigated the replacement of the Pro7-Phe8 dipeptide moiety in BK or the D-Tic7-Oic8 subunit in HOE140 (H-D-Arg0-Arg1-Pro2-Hyp3-Gly4-Thi5-Ser6-D-Tic7-Oic8-Arg9-OH) by 4-amino-1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one templates (Aba). Binding studies to the human B2 receptor showed a correlation between the affinities of the BK analogs and the propensity of the templates to adopt a β-turn conformation. The L-spiro-Aba-Gly containing HOE140 analog BK10 has the best affinity, which correlates with the known turn-inducing property of this template. All the compounds did not modify basal inositolphosphate (IP) output in B2-expressing CHO cells up to 10 µM concentration. The antagonist properties were confirmed by the guinea pig ileum smooth muscle contractility assay. The new amino-benzazepinone (Aba) substituted BK analogs were found to be surmountable antagonists. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Background and purpose: Kinins have an important role in inflammatory cystitis and in animal pathophysiological models, by acting on epithelium, fibroblasts, sensory innervation and smooth muscle. The aim of this study was to characterize the receptors responsible for direct motor responses induced by kinins on human detrusor. Experimental approach: Human detrusor cells from biopsies were isolated and mantained in culture. B1 and B2 kinin receptors were characterized by means of radioligand and functional experiments (PI accumulation and PGE2 release). Key results: [3H]-[desArg9]-Lys-BK and [3H]-BK saturation studies indicated receptor density (Bmax) and Kd values of 19 or 113 fmol mg−1, and 0.16 or 0.11 nM for the B1 or B2 receptors, respectively. Inhibition binding studies indicated the selectivity of the B1 receptor antagonist [desArg9Leu8]-Lys-BK and of the B2 receptor antagonists Icatibant and MEN16132. [DesArg9]-Lys-BK and BK induced PI accumulation with an EC50 of 1.6 and 1.4 nM and different maximal responses (Emax of [desArg9]-Lys-BK was 10% of BK). BK also induced prostaglandin E2 release (EC50 2.3 nM), whereas no response was detected with the B1 receptor agonist. The incubation of detrusor smooth muscle cells with interleukin 1β (IL-1β) or tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (10 ng ml−1) induced a time-dependent increase in radioligand-specific binding, which was greater for the B1 than for the B2 receptor. Conclusions and Implications: Human detrusor smooth muscle cells in culture retain kinin receptors, and represent a suitable model to investigate the mechanisms and changes that occur under chronic inflammatory conditions. British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 192–199. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706976

The pharmacological profile of MEN15596 or (6-methyl-benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid [1-(2-phenyl-1R-{[1-(tetrahydropyran-4-ylmethyl)-piperidin-4-ylmethyl]-carbamoyl}-ethylcarbamoyl)-cyclopentyl]-amide), a novel potent and selective tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist endowed with oral activity, is described. At the human recombinant tachykinin NK2 receptor, MEN15596 showed subnanomolar affinity (pKi 10.1) and potently antagonized (pKB 9.1) the neurokinin A-induced intracellular calcium release. MEN15596 selectivity for the tachykinin NK2 receptor was assessed by binding studies at the recombinant tachykinin NK1 (pKi 6.1) and NK3 (pKi 6.4) receptors, and at a number of 34 molecular targets including receptors, transporters and ion channels. In isolated smooth muscle preparations MEN15596 showed a marked species selectivity at the tachykinin NK2 receptor with the highest antagonist potency in guinea-pig colon, human and pig bladder (pKB 9.3, 9.2 and 8.8, respectively) whereas it was three orders of magnitude less potent in the rat and mouse urinary bladder (pKB 6.3 and 5.8, respectively). In agreement with binding experiments, MEN15596 showed low potency in blocking selective NK1 or NK3 receptor agonist-induced contractions of guinea-pig ileum preparations (pA2

An original way to manage both stereochemistry and conformational constraints in ligand candidates for bioassays is presented with reference to a group of model N,N′-tetrasubstituted o-phthalamides and thioamides. The study shows that a scale of thermal flexibility in solution can be envisaged, the divisions of which are represented by compounds sharing quite similar geometrical features. NMR spectroscopy and powder X-ray analysis were used for the physical chemical investigation. An attempt to exploit the conformational instability of a model thioamide in the medium of a bioassay was also performed.

We recently published the extensive in vivo pharmacological characterization of MEN 16132 (J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 2005, 616-623; Eur. J. Pharmacol. 2005, 528, 7), a member of the sulfonamide-containing human B(2) receptor (hB(2)R) antagonists. Here we report, in detail, how this family of compounds was designed, synthesized, and optimized to provide a group of products with subnanomolar affinity for the hB(2)R and high in vivo potency after topical administration to the respiratory tract. The series was designed on the basis of indications from the X-ray structures of the key structural motifs A and B present in known antagonists and is characterized by the presence of an alpha,alpha-dialkyl amino acid. The first lead (17) of the series was submitted to extensive chemical work to elucidate the structural requirements to increase hB(2) receptor affinity and antagonist potency in bioassays expressing the human B(2) receptor (hB(2)R). The following structural features were selected: a 2,4-dimethylquinoline moiety and a piperazine linker acylated with a basic amino acid. The representative lead compound 68 inhibited the specific binding of [(3)H]BK to hB(2)R with a pKi of 9.4 and antagonized the BK-induced inositolphosphate (IP) accumulation in recombinant cell systems expressing the hB(2)R with a pA(2) of 9.1. Moreover, compound 68 when administered (300 nmol/kg) intratracheally in the anesthetized guinea pig, was able to significantly inhibit BK-induced bronchoconstriction for up to 120 min after its administration, while having a lower and shorter lasting effect on hypotension.

We have tested the activity of 4-( S )-amino-5-(4-{4-\[2,4-dichloro-3-(2,4-dimethyl-8-quinolyloxymethyl)phenylsulfonamido]-tetrahydro-2 H -4-pyranylcarbonyl} piperazino)-5-oxopentyl\](trimethyl)ammonium chloride hydrochloride (MEN16132), a novel nonpeptide kinin B2 receptor antagonist, on bradykinin (BK)-induced inflammatory responses, bronchoconstriction, and hypotension in guinea pigs. After i.v. (1-10 nmol/kg i.v.), intratracheal (i.t.) (10-100 nmol/kg i.t.), or aerosol (0.01-0.1 mM/5 min) administration, MEN16132 inhibited in a dose-dependent manner the bronchoconstriction induced by BK (10 nmol/kg i.v.). MEN16132 was more potent and possessed a longer duration of action as compared with the peptide B2 receptor antagonist icatibant (HOE140; H -d-Arg-Arg-Pro-Hyp-Gly-Thi-Ser-d-Tic-Oic-Arg-OH trifluoroacetate). After i.v. administration, its inhibitory effect on bronchoconstriction lasted more than 8 h at 30 nmol/kg. When administered by i.v. or i.t. routes, the dose completely inhibiting bronchoconstriction also partially reduced the hypotensive response to BK, whereas after aerosol administration, the inhibitory effect was limited to respiratory level. Intranasal (i.n.) administration of MEN16132 (0.01-0.3 nmol/nostril) reduced, in a dose-dependent and long-lasting manner, the nasal mucosa plasma protein extravasation induced by BK (100 nmol/nostril), and it exerted a complete inhibition at about 30-fold lower dose than icatibant. At 1 nmol/nostril, MEN16132 activity was significant for at least 6 h with no systemic effect measured as inhibition of BK-induced hypotension, and at 10 nmol/nostril, the inhibitory effect lasted for more than 15 h with only a weak effect on hypotension. These findings indicate that in vivo MEN16132 is a potent kinin B2 receptor antagonist with long duration of action, both after i.v. and local administration. A complete and prolonged inhibition of BK-induced bronchoconstriction or nasal inflammation can be achieved with MEN16132 topical administration (aerosol or i.n.) at doses devoid of systemic effects.

The pharmacological outline of a novel and original antagonist at the human tachykinin NK 2 receptor is presented, namely MEN13510 ( N - N ′-bis-[2-(1 H -indol-3-yl)-ethyl]- N , N ′-bis-(3-thiomorpholin-4-yl-propyl)-phthalamide). MEN13510 retained nanomolar affinity for the human tachykinin NK 2 receptor ( K i 6.4 nM), and micromolar affinity for the human tachykinin NK 1 and NK 3 receptors. A competitive antagonism is indicated by the Schild analysis (p K B 7.8, slope − 0.94) of concentration–response curves of NKA induced inositolphosphates accumulation in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing the human NK 2 receptor in the presence of MEN13510 (30–300 nM concentration range). The MEN13510 interaction with the human NK 2 receptor was evaluated by means of heterologous inhibition binding experiments, by using agonist and antagonist radioligands ([ 125 I]NKA, [ 3 H]nepadutant, [ 3 H]saredutant) at a series of mutant receptors having single aminoacidic substitutions of residues located in transmembrane (TM) segments 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. MEN13510 affinity was not affected by the mutations in TM 3 and 4 (Q109A, F112A, T171A, C167G), and it was reduced by 10-fold at the I202F mutant, but not at the Y206A (TM4). Amongst the investigated mutants bearing the mutated residues in TM6 (F270A, Y266F, W263A) only F270A decreased the MEN13510 affinity by 7-fold. Even mutations in TM7 did reduce MEN13510 affinity by 32-fold (Y289T, but not Y289F) and 13-fold (F293A). Studied mutations represent the human tachykinin NK 2 receptor discriminants involved in the binding of previously reported peptidic and nonpeptidic antagonists, against which results obtained with MEN13510 are compared. Results indicate that the binding site of this antagonist is, at least in part, overlapping to that described for NKA or saredutant. Finally we show that MEN13510 retains nanomolar affinity for the recently discovered splice variant of the human tachykinin NK 2 receptor, namely β isoform, as it has been described for the nonpeptide antagonist saredutant.

The aim of the present report was to investigate the ligand selectivity of the human orphan G-protein-coupled receptor GPR100 (hGPR100), recently identified as a novel bradykinin (BK) receptor, as compared with that of the human B2 receptor (hB2R) stably transfected in Chinese hamster ovary cells. BK was able to inhibit the cAMP production induced by forskolin with a potency 100-fold lower at the hGPR100 (pEC50=6.6) than that measured at the hB2R (pEC50=8.6). Both effects were inhibited by the B2 receptor antagonist Icatibant (1 μM). The nonpeptide B2 receptor agonist FR190997 (8-[2,6-dichloro-3-[N-methylcarbamoyl)cinnamidoacetyl]-N-methylamino]benzyloxy]-2-methyl-4-(2-pyridylmethoxy)quinoline) did inhibit the forskolin-induced cAMP production (pEC50=7.7) at the hB2R, whereas it was not able to exert any effect at the hGPR100. The human insulin-like peptide relaxin 3 did inhibit the cAMP production at the hGPR100 (pEC50=7.3) at a greater extent than BK, and was devoid of any effect at the hB2R. FR190997 and relaxin 3 responses at the hB2R and hGPR100, respectively, were not inhibited by Icatibant (1 μM). These data indicate FR190997 and relaxin 3 as selective agonists for hB2R and hGPR100, respectively, and support the concept that different agonists may specifically bias the conformational states of a receptor to result in a final common G protein coupling, which is differentially recognized by antagonists. British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 143, 938–941. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706025

In the present study, we have investigated, by binding and functional experiments, the pharmacological profile of a new human tachykinin NK(2) receptor splice variant named beta isoform. Neurokinin A, nepadutant, SR48968 [(S)-N-methyl-N[4-(4-acetylamino-4-phenyl piperidino)-2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl) butyl]benzamide] and substance P have been tested for binding on the receptor expressed in whole CHO transfected cells. Only SR48968 binds, but with an affinity about sixfold lower in respect to the alpha isoform. Moreover, neurokinin A was unable to inhibit the [(3)H]SR48968 binding to the beta isoform up to microM concentrations. In cells expressing the human tachykinin NK(2) receptor beta isoform, contrary to those expressing the alpha isoform, natural or selective tachykinin receptor agonists (1 microM) were unable to produce a significant activation of inositol phosphate (IP) production or increase of intracellular calcium concentration [Ca(2+)](i). The recently discovered tachykinins, endokinins C and D, did not activate IP production or [Ca(2+)](i) increase in cells expressing the alpha or beta isoform of the human tachykinin NK(2) receptor. The present data indicate that the human tachykinin NK(2) receptor beta isoform is poorly or not expressed on the cell membrane surface and that it may possibly act as a regulator of tachykinin NK(2) receptor function. We cannot exclude the possibility that this receptor could interact with other presently unknown ligands.

The pharmacology of peptide and non-peptide bradykinin B2 receptor ligands was evaluated in the inositol phosphate (IP) production assay in CHO cells expressing the human bradykinin B2 receptor. The effect of single and double alanine mutation of D266 and D284 residues at the human bradykinin B2 receptor was evaluated on the agonist profile of bradykinin (H-Arg-Pro-Pro-Gly-Phe-Ser-Pro-Phe-Arg-OH) and the synthetic agonist FR190997 (8-[2,6-dichloro-3-[N-methylcarbamoyl)cinnamidoacetyl]-N-methylamino]benzyloxy]-2-methyl-4-(2-pyridylmethoxy)quinoline). Bradykinin potency (EC50 0.5 nM at the wild-type receptor) was reduced by 16-fold at D266A and D284A mutants and by 2300-fold at the D266A/D284A double mutant. None of the mutants affected the potency or the efficacy of FR190997. Peptide antagonists, Icatibant (H-DArg-Arg-Pro-Hyp-Gly-Thi-Ser-Dtic-Oic-Arg-OH) and MEN11270 (H-DArg-Arg-Pro-Hyp-Gly-Thi-c(Dab-DTic-Oic-Arg)c(7gamma-10alpha)) (100 nM) similarly antagonized the concentration-response curve to bradykinin or FR190997 (pA2 values 8.5 and 8.4 versus bradykinin and 8.2 and 8.4 versus FR190997) at the wild-type receptor. Non-peptide antagonists FR173657 ((E)-3-(6-acetamido-3-pyridyl)-N-[N-[2,4-dichloro-3-[(2-methyl-8-quinolinyl) oxymethyl]phenyl]-N-methylaminocarbonyl methyl]acrylamide) and LF16-0687 (1-[[2,4-dichloro-3-[(2,4-dimethylquinolin-8-yl)oxy] methyl]-phenyl]sulfonyl]-N-[3-[[4-(aminoiminomethyl)-phenyl]carbonylamino]propyl]-(S)-pyrrolidine carboxamide) (100 nM) showed an equivalent potency values in blocking the IP production induced by bradykinin or FR190997 (pA2 values 8.7 and 8.8 versus bradykinin and 8.8 and 8.6 versus FR190997). Whilst the antagonist potency of FR173657 and LF16-0687 was not affected by D266A/D284A double mutation (IP production induced by the synthetic agonist), that of Icatibant and MEN11270 was reduced by 50- and 200-fold. The antagonist potency of [Ala1]-Icatibant and [Ala2]-Icatibant (pA2 values at wild-type 7.7 and 6.4) was significantly less reduced (20-fold and 13-fold, respectively) by the D266A/D284A double mutation. Our results highlight a crucial role for two aspartic residues, D266 and D284, located at the top of transmembrane segments 6 and 7, in the high-affinity interaction of peptide antagonists with the human bradykinin B2 receptor. An interaction of these receptor residues with the N-terminal basic residues of Icatibant is hypothesized.

Combining site-directed mutagenesis with information obtained from molecular modelling of the bradykinin (BK) human B 2 receptor (hB 2 R) as derived from the bovine rhodopsin crystal structure [Science 289 (2000) 739], we previously defined a putative binding mode for the non-peptide B 2 receptor antagonists, FR173657 and LF16-0687 [Can J Physiol Pharmacol 80 (2002) 303]. The present work is aimed to define the specific role of the quinoline moiety in the pharmacophore of these non-peptide antagonists. The effect of the mutations I110A, L114A (TM, transmembrane 3), W256A (TM6), F292A, Y295A and Y295F (TM7) was evaluated. None of the mutations affected the binding interaction of peptide ligands: the agonist BK and the peptide antagonist MEN 11270. The affinities in competing for [ 3 H ]-BK binding and in blocking the BK-induced IP production by the non-peptide antagonists LF16-0687 and FR173657 at the wild type and mutant receptors were analysed. While the affinities of LF16-0687 and FR173657 were crucially decreased at the I110A, Y295A, and Y295F mutants, the W256A mutation affected the affinity of the LF16-0687 only. The important contribution of the quinoline moiety was shown by the inability of an analogue of LF16-0687, lacking this moiety, to affect BK binding at the wild type receptor. On the other hand, the benzamidine group did not interact with mutated residues, since LF16-0687 analogues without this group or with an oxidated benzamidine displayed pairwise loss of affinity on wild type and mutated receptors. Further differences between FR173657 and LF16-0687 were highlighted at the I110 and Y295 mutants when comparing binding (p K i ) and functional antagonist (p K B ) affinity. First, the I110A mutation similarly impaired their binding affinity (250-fold), but at a less extent the antagonist potency of FR173657 only. Second, both the hydroxyl and the phenyl moieties of the Y295 residue had a specific role in the LF16-0687 interaction with the receptor, as demonstrated at the Y295F and Y295A mutants, respectively, but not in that of FR173657. Present data identify a receptor binding pocket comprised among TM3, 6, and 7, which concerns the interaction of the non-peptide antagonists FR173657 and LF16-0687, but not that of the peptide agonist or antagonist. Results indicate the quinoline group as the involved pharmacophoric element, and that the studied residues are differently involved in the interaction. The analysis performed by means of the GRID software led us to propose different spatial orientations of the quinoline moieties and partially overlapping binding pockets for the two ligands: that of LF16-0687 is located in the lipophilic environment amongst I110 (TM3), W256 (TM6), and Y295 (TM7) residues, whereas that of FR173657 lies essentially between I110 and Y295.

Binding affinity at the [3H]-BK binding site and activity as inositol phosphate (IP) production by the peptide bradykinin (BK) and the nonpeptide FR190997 were studied at wild-type or point-mutated human B2 receptors (hB2R) expressed in CHO cells. The effect of the following mutations were analyzed: E47A (TM1), W86A and T89A (TM2), I110A, L114A and S117A (TM3), T158A, M165T and L166F (TM4), T197A and S211A (TM5), F252A, W256A and F259A (TM6), S291A, F292A, Y295A and Y295F (TM7), and the double mutation W256A/Y295F. As the wild-type receptor-binding affinity of FR190997 was 40-fold lower than BK, whereas their agonist potency was comparable, both agonists produced similar maximal effects (Emax). Mutations were evaluated as affecting the affinity and/or efficacy of FR190997 compared with BK. Two mutations were found to impair the agonist affinity of both agonists drastically: W86A and F259A. BK agonist affinity (pEC50) was reduced by 1400- and 150-fold, and that of FR190997 was reduced by 400- and 25-fold, at the W86A and F259A mutant B2 receptors, respectively. Contrary to BK, the affinity of FR190997 was selectively decreased at I110A, Y295A, and Y295F mutants (>103-fold), and a different efficacy was measured at the Y295 mutants, FR190997 being devoid of the capability to trigger IP production at Y295A mutant. L114A, F252A, and W256A selectively impaired the efficacy of FR190997, whereas its binding affinity was not affected. As a consequence, FR190997 behaved as a high-affinity antagonist in blocking the IP production induced by BK. The lack of capability of FR190997 to activate or to bind the double mutant W256A/Y295F suggests that these residues are part of the same binding site, which is also important for receptor activation by the nonpeptide ligand. Overall, by means of mutational analysis, we indicate an hB2R recognition site for the nonpeptide agonist FR190997 (between TM3, 6, and 7), different from that of BK, and show that in the same binding crevice some mutations (L114, W256, and F252) are selectively responsible for the agonist properties of only FR190997.

A new series of monocyclic pseudopeptidic tachykinin NK-2 receptor antagonists has been derived from nepadutant with the help of site-directed mutagenesis studies and QSAR models. MEN11558 is the lead compound which is evaluated on a series of 13 new human tachykinin NK-2 receptor mutants (Tyr107Ala, Gln109Ala, Asn110Ala, Phe112Ala, Ser164Phe, Cys167Gly, Phe168Ala, Tyr169Ala, Ile202Phe, Trp263Ala, Tyr269Phe, Tyr269Ala, and Phe293Ala) and 8 mutants on which data from nepadutant were already available (Gln166Ala, Ser170Ala, Thr171Ala, His198Ala, Tyr206Phe, Tyr266Phe, Tyr289Phe, and Tyr289Thr). The results show that the two compounds share most of their binding sites, in agreement with their hypothesized binding modes. This allows us to transfer the structural knowledge we already had for nepadutant to the new series of compounds. At the same time, a sound QSAR model is developed to assist the prioritization of new chemical syntheses. The result is the discovery of receptor antagonists with a higher affinity than nepadutant for the hNK-2 receptor.

FR173657, LF16,0335, and LF16,0687 are nonpeptide antagonists, endowed with high affinity and selectivity for the human kinin B2receptor. The kinin B2receptor belongs to the family of G-protein-coupled receptors with seven transmembrane (TM) helices. In the present study, we aimed, through computer-assisted modeling and mutagenesis, to identify residues in the human B2receptor (hB2R) amino acid sequence that are involved in nonpeptide antagonist binding in order to build up experimental data as a first step towards a molecular model of nonpeptide ligands binding site. Fourteen amino acid residues within the TM segments were mutated to alanine. The wild type and mutant receptors were stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (dhfr–) cells and tested for their ability to bind agonist ([3H]bradykinin) and peptide antagonist ([3H]MEN11270) radioligands. The affinity of nonpeptide ligands was determined by heterologous competition experiments using the above radioligands. We found that some mutations in TM2 (W86A) and TM7 (Y295A, N297A) impair the binding affinity of the three nonpeptide antagonists. On the other hand, some mutated residues in TM3 (S117A) and TM6 (W256A) reduce the affinity of LF16,0335 and LF16,0687 only. Results are discussed in order to build up a hypothesis for the likely different interactions of various nonpeptide ligands with the B2receptor.Key words: binding, bradykinin B2receptor, G-protein-coupled receptor, mutagenesis, nonpeptide.

Bradykinin (BK) is a vasoactive peptide reputed to play an important role in cardiovascular homeostasis. In this study, we describe the cardiovascular changes (mean blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR)) induced by the i.v. administration (left jugular vein) of two selective kinin B2 receptor antagonist, namely icatibant (0.1–1 µmol/kg as a bolus) and MEN11270 (0.1–1 µmol/kg as a bolus or 1 µmol/kg infused in 15 or 60 min), in urethane-anaesthetized or conscious rats with an indwelling catheter implanted in the right carotid artery for BP measurements. In conscious rats, icatibant at 0.1 or 0.3 µmol/kg did not change BP but at 0.1 µmol/kg increased HR at 30 min from administration. MEN11270 at 0.1 or 0.3 µmol/kg induced a dose-related increase in BP and a concomitant bradycardia (significant at 0.3 µmol/kg) lasting for 5 or 30 min, respectively. Icatibant at 1 µmol/kg induced a slight (P < 0.05) increase in BP that resolved in 5 min and a biphasic tachycardia (peaks at 30 and 90 min from administration). MEN11270 at 1 µmol/kg induced a triphasic change in HR (tachycardia in the first 5 min, bradycardia at 30 min, and tachycardia at 90 and 120 min) and a biphasic change in BP (hypotension at 15 min and hypertension at 30 min). The i.v. infusion of MEN11270 (1 µmol/kg in 15 or 60 min) produced hypertension, whereas HR was increased only following the 15-min infusion. In urethane-anaesthetized rats, both icatibant and MEN11270 (0.1 µmol/kg as a bolus) increased BP and the onset for this effect was correlated with the time course of the antagonism of BK-induced hypotension, where the effect of MEN11270 was more rapid than that of icatibant. These results indicate that kinin B2 receptor antagonists can induce acute cardiovascular effects, and the reason for the different haemodynamic profile between icatibant and MEN11270 could be putatively attributed to kinetic characteristics.Key words: icatibant, MEN11270, bradykinin, blood pressure, heart rate.

1. The effects of the novel mammalian tachykinin, hemokinin 1 (HEK-1), have been investigated by radioligand binding and functional in vitro and in vivo experiments. 2. Similar to SP (K(i)=0.13 nM), HEK-1 inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner and with high affinity [(3)H]-substance P (SP) binding to human NK(1) receptor (K(i)=0.175 nM) while its affinity for [(125)I]-neurokinin A (NKA) binding at human NK(2) receptor was markedly lower (K(i)=560 nM). 3. In isolated bioassays HEK-1 was a full agonist at tachykinin NK(1), NK(2) and NK(3) receptors. In the rat urinary bladder (RUB) HEK-1 was about 3 fold less potent than SP. In the rabbit pulmonary artery (RPA) HEK-1 and in the guinea-pig ileum (GPI), HEK-1 was about 500 fold less potent than NKA and NKB, respectively. 4. The responses to HEK-1 were antagonized by GR 82334 in RUB (pK(B)=5.6+/-0.07), by nepadutant in RPA (pK(B)=8.6+/-0.04) and by SR 142801 in GPI (pK(B)=9.0+/-0.2) with apparent affinities comparable to that measured against tachykinin NK(1), NK(2) and NK(3) receptor-selective agonists, respectively. 5. Intravenous HEK-1 produced dose-related decrease of blood pressure in anaesthetized guinea-pigs (ED(50)=0.1 nmol kg(-1)) and salivary secretion in anaesthetized rats (ED(50)=6 nmol kg(-1)) with potencies similar to that of SP. All these effects were blocked by the selective tachykinin NK(1) receptor antagonist, SR 140333. 6. We conclude that HEK-1 is a full agonist at tachykinin NK(1), NK(2) and NK(3) receptors, possesses a remarkable selectivity for NK(1) as compared to NK(2) or NK(3) receptors and acts in vivo experiments with potency similar to that of SP.

In this study we have characterized the pharmacological profile of the non-peptide tachykinin NK(2) receptor antagonist ibodutant (MEN15596) in guinea pig isolated main bronchi contractility. The antagonist potency of ibodutant was evaluated using the selective NK(2) receptor agonist [βAla8]NKA(4-10)-mediated contractions of guinea pig isolated main bronchi. In this assay ibodutant (30, 100 and 300 nM) induced a concentration-dependent rightward shift of the [βAla8]NKA(4-10) concentration-response curves without affecting the maximal contractile effect. The analysis of the results yielded a Schild-plot linear regression with a slope not different from unity (0.95, 95% c.l. 0.65-1.25), thus, indicating a surmountable behavior. The calculated apparent antagonist potency as pK(B) value was 8.31 ± 0.05. Ibodutant (0.3-100 nM) produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the nonadrenergic-noncholinergic (NANC) contractile response induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS) of intrinsic airway nerves in guinea pig isolated main bronchi. At the highest concentration tested (100 nM) ibodutant almost abolished the EFS-induced bronchoconstriction (95 ± 4% inhibition), the calculated IC(50) value was 2.98 nM (95% c.l. 1.73-5.16 nM). In bronchi from ovalbumin (OVA) sensitized guinea pigs ibodutant (100 nM) did not affect the maximal contractile response to OVA, but completely prevented the slowing in the fading of the motor response induced by phosphoramidon pretreatment linked to the endogenous neurokinin A release. Altogether, the present study demonstrates that ibodutant is a potent NK(2) receptor antagonist in guinea pig airways.

The conformational features of Pam–Lys0–Arg1–Pro2–Pro3–Gly4–Phe5–Ser6–Pro7–Phe8–Arg9–OH (PKD) and Pam–Gly−1–Lys0–Arg1–Pro2–Pro3–Gly4–Phe5–Ser6–Pro7–Phe8–Arg9–OH (PGKD), the Pam–Lys and Pam–Gly–Lys analogues of bradykinin, have been determined by high-resolution NMR in a zwitterionic lipoid environment. Radical-induced relaxation of the 1H NMR signals was used to probe the topological orientation of the peptides with respect to the zwitterionic lipid interface. The radical-induced relaxation and molecular dynamics (MD) data indicated that the palmitic acid and N-terminal amino acid residues embed into the micelles, while the rest of the polypeptide chain is closely associated with the water-micelle interface. Throughout the entire nuclear Overhauser effect restrained MD simulation, a nonideal type I β-turn was observed in the C-terminus of PKD between residues 6 and 9, and a γ-turn was observed in the C-terminus of PGKD between residues 6 and 7. Therefore, the additional glycine has a dramatic effect on the structural preferences of the biologically important C-terminus, an effect brought about by the interaction with the lipid environment. These structural features are correlated to the biological activity at the bradykinin B2 receptor. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biopolymers 58: 511–520, 2001

The role of the amino acids contained in the sequence of HOE 140 (H-DArg(1)-Arg(2)-Pro(3)-Hyp(4)-Gly(5)-Thi(6)-Ser(7)-DTic(8)-Oic(9 )-Arg(10)-OH), a potent and selective bradykinin B(2) receptor peptide antagonist, has been investigated by the replacement of each original residue (one by one) with Ala. The resulting set of decapeptides has been tested for the B(2) antagonist activity as well as for competition with the binding of [3H]BK to plasma membranes of the human umbilical vein (hUV). Positive correlations have been established between data obtained with the bioassay and with the binding in the hUV (same species, same tissue) and also between the two bioassays, the guinea-pig ileum (GPI) and the hUV (different species, different tissue). The structure-activity study has shown that the replacement of any of the residues that constitute HOE 140 with Ala is accompanied by a decrease of potency of at least 1 log unit. The analogues can be divided into three groups, with Ala(1) and Ala(7) showing affinities lower than HOE 140 by a factor of 10, Ala(4) and Ala(10) by a factor of 100 and Ala(2), Ala(5), Ala(6), Ala(8) and Ala(9) by a factor higher than 100 (100-1000). To verify the effect of chirality, the DAla(5) and DSer(7) analogues were synthesized and it was found that the substitution with a D-residue in position 5 is not tolerated while that in position 7 is favourable. The DSer(7) derivative is the most potent analogue found in this study: it shows potency as high as that of HOE 140 in the bioassays.

The i.v. administration of nociceptin (10-100 nmol/kg) inhibits the micturition reflex in a naloxone-resistant manner. The effects induced by i.v. nociceptin were not observed in capsaicin-pretreated animals indicating that i.v. nociceptin inhibits the micturition reflex by inhibiting afferent discharge from capsaicin-sensitive nerves. Supporting this interpretation, nociceptin also inhibited the reflex but not the local bladder contraction induced by topical capsaicin and protects this reflex (but not the local contraction) by desensitization. Intrathecal nociceptin (10 nmol/rat) produces urodynamic modifications similar to those induced by the i.v. administration. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of nociceptin (0.3-1 nmol/rat) also inhibited the micturition reflex in a naloxone-resistant manner suggesting a direct effect on supraspinal sites controlling the micturition. Beyond the inhibitory effects exerted by nociceptin on the micturition reflex, a peripheral excitatory effect mediated by capsaicin-sensitive fibers was also detected. The application of nociceptin (5-50 nmol/rat) onto the bladder serosa when the intravesical volume was subthreshold for the triggering of the micturition reflex, activated the reflex in a dose-dependent manner; the same treatment produced a biphasic effect on the ongoing reflex. In addition to the triggering of micturition reflex, topical nociceptin evokes a local tonic-type contraction that was abolished by the coadministration of tachykinin NK(1) and NK(2) receptor antagonists. Altogether these results indicate that ORL(1) receptors are present at several sites for the integration of the micturition reflex, and that their activation may produce both excitatory or inhibitory effects, depending on the route of administration and the experimental conditions.

Prostanoids, generated from cyclooxygenase (COX) isoenzymes, play a role in the physiological function of the lower urinary tract and are important mediators of inflammatory hyperalgesia. The present work evaluates the effects of the COX-1/COX-2 inhibitor dexketoprofen as well as of a selective COX-2 inhibitor, NS-398, on urodynamic function following endotoxin (LPS) or cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced inflammation of the urinary bladder. The application of arachidonic acid (330 microgram rat(-1)) onto the serosal surface of the urinary bladder in control rats elicited bladder contractions which could be blocked in a dose-dependent manner by dexketoprofen (0.1 - 3 mg kg(-1), i.v.) but not by NS-398 (0.2 - 6 mg kg(-1), i.v. ). Dexketoprofen (3 mg kg(-1), i.v.) decreased the micturition frequency and increased the pressure threshold for triggering the micturition either when administered within 15 min or 3 h following surgery in control animals. NS-398 (6 mg kg(-1), i.v.) decreased the micturition frequency and increased the pressure threshold when administered 3 h but not 15 min following surgery. Administration of LPS (2 mg kg(-1), i.v., 90 - 120 min) increased both the micturition frequency and the pressure threshold for triggering the micturition reflex. Changes in urodynamic parameters induced by LPS were prevented by doses of either dexketoprofen (1 mg kg(-1), i.v.) or NS-398 (2 mg kg(-1), i.v.) which were ineffective in control animals. Pretreatment with CYP (150 mg kg(-1), i.p., 48 h) increased the micturition frequency, pressure threshold, and the minimal intravesical pressure but decreased the mean amplitude of micturition contractions. In CYP-treated rats, dexketoprofen (1 mg kg(-1), i.v.) or NS-398 (2 mg kg(-1), i.v.) blocked the CYP-induced urodynamic changes with exception of the micturition contraction amplitude. These results indicate that COX-1 may be involved in modulating the threshold for activating the micturition reflex in the normal rats and also demonstrates that inhibition of COX-2 prevents or reverses the urodynamic changes associated with bladder inflammation induced either by surgery, LPS or CYP treatments.

The rat urinary bladder is one of the few in vivo preparations in which kinin B1 receptor-mediated contractile responses have been described, but the nature (local or reflex) of these responses has not been characterized. We have investigated the motor effects of i.v. or topical (onto the bladder serosa) administration of the selective kinin B1 receptor agonist [des-Arg9]-bradykinin ([des-Arg9]-BK) in the normal or inflamed (cyclophosphamide-induced) urinary bladder in urethane-anaesthetized rats. In both normal and inflamed bladders [des-Arg9]-BK produced a tonic contraction of low amplitude (15 mmHg) with phasic contractions of high amplitude (or = 15 mmHg) superimposed (micturition reflex contractions). In inflamed bladders, the response to [des-Arg9]-BK was more prominent than in controls. Similar observations were made after the topical administration of [des-Arg9]-BK. In order to evaluate any time-dependency in the expression of B1 receptor-mediated bladder responses, [des-Arg9]-BK was administered in separate groups of control animals at 30 and 240 min after the completion of surgical procedures required for set-up of the preparation: no bladder contraction was detected at 30 min whereas both local and reflex contractions could be elicited by [des-Arg9]-BK at 240 min after the set up. In ganglionectomized rats, the response to [des-Arg9]-BK or the selective tachykinin NK2 receptor agonist [betaAla8]NKA(4-10) was evaluated at 30 and 240 min after the set up in inflamed or in control animals. The response to [des-Arg9]-BK was greater after inflammation although a time-dependent increase was evident in both groups; in contrast, the response to [betaAla8]NKA(4-10) was similar in both groups and remained constant over the observation period. After induction of inflammation, the tonic contraction induced by [des-Arg9]-BK in ganglionectomized rats was dose-dependently reduced by the kinin B1 receptor antagonist [desArg10]Hoe 140. The contractile response (number of micturition reflex contractions) induced by [des-Arg9]-BK in normal rats with intact pelvic nerves at 240 min from the set up was not changed after the administration of the selective B2 receptor antagonist Hoe 140. These results indicate that stimulation of bladder kinin B1 receptors evokes a local, tonic-type contraction with reflex contractions superimposed in both normal and inflamed bladders, but in the latter situation the motor responses are magnified.

It has recently been shown that the biological activity of the second generation kinin B1 receptor selective antagonist, desArg10 HOE 140, can be improved by specific amino acid substitutions. Starting from this observation, we undertook a systematic structure-activity relationship study of this antagonist, based on the alanine-scan technique, in order to obtain useful information for the rational design of more analogues. Our data indicate that the sequence of desArg10 HOE 140 does not tolerate the replacement by Ala of most of its residues, with the exception of Ser in position 7 and, to a lesser extent, D-Arg in position 1 and Hyp in position 4. The most critical residues appear to be Pro in position 3 and the C-terminal dipeptide DTic-Oic; Ala replacement at these positions resultes in a total loss of activity. Moreover, replacement by Ala of Gly in position 5 reverts the activity of desArg10 HOE 140 to that of an agonist.

The tetrapeptide in the central portion of bradykinin and desArg10-kallidin was replaced by alkyl spacers of various lengths (-NH(CH2)nCO-, n=5–11). When tested as agonists at the kinins receptors, these pseudopeptides showed significant activity only at the B1 receptor. In particular, the introduction of a dodecanoic spacer in the central portion of desArg10-kallidin reduces only tenfold the agonist activity at the B1 receptor.

[Objective] The aim of this study was to determine in intact and inflamed knee joints of the rat, the effect of the bradykinin (BK) B2 receptor antagonist fasitibant (MEN16132) on nociceptor mechanosensitivity and hyperalgesia., [Methods] Joint afferent sensory fibers of the medial articular nerve of anesthetized animals were electrophysiologically recorded, measuring nerve impulse activity evoked by passive innocuous and noxious movements of the joint, in intact and kaolin and carrageenan-injected joints. Knee joints of rats were also acutely inflamed by intra-articular injection of carrageenan alone. Long term duration of fasitibant antinociceptive effects were behaviorally evaluated using the incapacitance test., [Results] BK (100 μM) injected into the saphenous artery, induced excitation and sensitization of multi- and single unit recordings. Fasitibant (300 μM) injected prior to BK, reduced its excitatory effects as well as the overall increase of movement-evoked activity resulting from repeated injections of BK. Fasitibant did not affect movement-evoked activity of sensory fibers of intact, non-inflamed knee joints. Intra-articular fasitibant (100 μg/knee) significantly reduced the carrageenan-induced inflammatory hyperalgesia measured with the incapacitance test up to four days after treatment. This antinociceptive effect was not obtained with systemic endovenous injection of the drug., [Conclusions] Fasitibant prevents B2 receptor-mediated activation and sensitization of peripheral joint afferents and the ensuing inflammatory hyperalgesia, and may be a useful, novel drug for arthritis pain treatment., This work was supported by grants from Spanish MICINN BFU2009-07835 to AG, BFU2008-04425 to CB and CONSOLIDER-INGENIO 2010 CSD2007-00023.

On trouve un plexus dense en termes de fibres nerveuses pourvues de peptide lie au gene de la calcitonine (CGRP) dans l'uretere des mammiferes. Des stimuli depolarisants, incluant les substances chimiques normalement presentes dans l'urine, liberent le CGRP de l'uretere. Le CGRP exerce un puissant effet inhibiteur, vehicule par un recepteur, sur la motilite de l'uretere, en supprimant les pacemakers latents dans le muscle lisse. Cet effet est tres sensible au glibenclamide, ce qui indique que l'activation des canaux potassiques est en cours de formation. La stimulation electrique des nerfs intramuraux dans l'uretere de cobayes induit une hyperpolarisation membranaire transitoire qui est bloquee par le glibenclamide ou un traitement a la capsaicine, augmentee dans un milieu a faible teneur en K et inhibee par un antagoniste du recepteur de CGRP. Ainsi, le CGRP endogene participe a l'ouverture de canaux K neurotransmetteurs dans l'uretere. Le traitement a la capsaicine ou l'administration d'un antagoniste du recepteur de CGRP reduisent nettement et de maniere similaire la periode refractaire de l'uretere de cobaye, ce qui indique que le CGRP endogene peut moduler la frequence maximale du peristaltisme ureteral. En utilisant un bain d'organe a trois compartiments permettant de perfuser separement les regions renales, intermediaires et vesicles de l'organe, on a demontre que le CGRP bloque la propagation des impulsions le long de l'uretere par l'intermediaire d'un mecanisme sensible au glibenclamide. Ces resultats indiquent que le CGRP joue un role dans la regulation locale de la motilite et du peristaltisme de l'uretere.

1. The topical application of bradykinin (BK) (0.05-5000 pmol/rat) onto the serosal surface of the urinary bladder in urethane-anaesthetized rats, evoked low amplitude tonic contractions (not exceeding 25 mmHg) or high amplitude (about 50 mmHg), phasic reflex contractions (chemoceptive micturition reflex) which were abolished by bilateral ablation of the pelvic ganglia. In ganglionectomized rats, BK induced only a local, tonic-type contraction. 2. Systemic capsaicin pretreatment (164 mumol kg-1, 4 days before) reduced the incidence of chemoceptive reflex induced by BK (500 pmol/rat) but had no effect on the magnitude of the tonic-type contraction elicited by BK in ganglionectomized rats. Indomethacin (11 mumol kg-1, 20 min before) reduced the incidence but not the amplitude of the reflex contractions induced by topical application of BK (500 pmol/rat). In ganglionectomized rats, indomethacin (11 mumol kg-1, 20 min before) decreased the amplitude of the tonic contraction evoked by BK. Indomethacin did not affect the chemoceptive reflex induced by topical application of capsaicin (15 nmol/rat) onto the bladder. 3. Intrathecal administration of the tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonists, RP 67,580 (10 nmol/rat) or SR 140,333 (10 nmol/rat), abolished the chemoceptive reflex induced by BK without modifying the magnitude of the tonic contraction. SR 140,333 (10 nmol/rat) also abolished the occurrence of the chemoceptive reflex induced by capsaicin. 4. Intravenous administration of the B2 receptor antagonist, Hoe 140 (35 nmol kg-1, 10 min before) abolished the reflex and local effects induced by BK on bladder motility but failed to modify the chemoceptive reflex induced by topical application of capsaicin (15 nmol/rat). 5. Intrathecal administration of Hoe 140 (10 nmol/rat) reduced the incidence of the chemoceptive reflex induced by BK but had no effect on the amplitude of the local motor response. Likewise, Hoe 140(10 nmol/rat, i.t.) reduced the incidence of reflex bladder contractions induced by topical application of capsaicin (15 nmol/rat) without affecting the magnitude of the tonic-type contraction.6. These findings indicate that BK stimulates motility through B2 receptors in the rat urinary bladder.BK activates the reflex response by stimulating capsaicin-sensitive afferent nerves with a contribution from prostanoids. At the spinal cord level, tachykinin NK1 and BK B2 receptors could also be involved in the chemoceptive reflex induced by BK or capsaicin.

Urotensin II (U-II) is a disulfide bridged peptide hormone identified as the ligand of a G-protein-coupled receptor. Human U-II (H-Glu-Thr-Pro-Asp-c[Cys-Phe-Trp-Lys-Tyr-Cys]-Val-OH) has been described as the most potent vasoconstrictor compound identified to date. We have recently identified both a superagonist of human U-II termed P5U (H-Asp-c[Pen-Phe-Trp-Lys-Tyr-Cys]-Val-OH) and the compound termed urantide (H-Asp-c[Pen-Phe-D-Trp-Orn-Tyr-Cys]-Val-OH), which is the most potent UT receptor peptide antagonist described to date. In the present study, we have synthesized four analogues of P5U and urantide in which the Trp(7) residue was replaced by the highly constrained L-Tpi and D-Tpi residues. The replacement of the Trp(7) by Tpi led to active analogues. Solution NMR analysis allowed improving the knowledge on conformation-activity relationships previously reported on UT receptor ligands.

We have characterized the pharmacological profile of the nonpeptide tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist ibodutant (MEN15596) through radioligand binding and contractility assays in the human colon smooth muscle. The antagonist affinity of ibodutant was evaluated through concentration-dependent inhibition curves at the [125I]NKA specific binding by using membranes prepared from human colon smooth muscle. In this assay the affinity of ibodutant (pKi 9.9) was compared to that of other two selective NK2 receptor antagonists, nepadutant (pKi 8.4) and saredutant (pKi 9.2). The antagonist potency of ibodutant was evaluated towards the [βAla8]NKA(4-10)-mediated contractions of human colon smooth muscle strips. In this assay ibodutant (3, 10, 30 and 100 nM) induced a concentration-dependent rightward shift of the [βAla8]NKA(4-10) concentration-response curves without depressing the maximal contractile effect. The analysis of the curves yielded a Schild-plot linear regression with a slope not different from unity (1.02), thus indicating a surmountable antagonist behavior. The calculated apparent antagonist potency as pKB value was 9.1. No sex related differences were observed in NK2 receptor pharmacology for [βAla8]NKA(4-10) or ibodutant in colonic strips obtained from male or female patients. Reversibility experiments of tachykinin NK2 receptor blockade indicated that the inhibition of the agonist-induced contractions in preparations pre-exposed to ibodutant, and afterwards subjected to repeated washing cycles remained almost constant showing no sign of recovery during the 3 h observation period. Overall, the present study indicates ibodutant as a potent tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist in the human colon tissue, also endowed with a persistent duration of action.