New potent and selective A1 adenosine receptor antagonists as potential tools for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases

Eur J Med Chem. 2018 May 10:151:199-213. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.03.067. Epub 2018 Mar 27.

Abstract

The synthesis of 9-alkyl substituted adenine derivatives presenting aromatic groups and cycloalkyl rings in 8- and N6-position, respectively, is reported. The compounds were tested with radioligand binding studies showing, in some cases, a low nanomolar A1 adenosine receptor affinity and a very good selectivity versus the other adenosine receptor subtypes. Functional assays at human adenosine receptors and at a mouse ileum tissue preparation clearly demonstrate the antagonist profile of these molecules, with inhibitory potency at nanomolar level. A molecular modeling study, consisting in docking analysis at the recently reported A1 adenosine receptor crystal structure, was performed for the interpretation of the obtained pharmacological results. The N6-cyclopentyl-9-methyl-8-phenyladenine (17), resulting the most active derivative of the series (Ki = 2.8 nM and IC50 = 14 nM), was also very efficacious in counteracting the effect of the agonist CCPA on mouse ileum contractility. This new compound represents a tool for the development of new agents for the treatment of intestinal diseases as constipation and postoperative ileus.

Keywords: A(1) adenosine receptor; Adenosine; Adenosine receptor antagonists; Adenosine receptors; Mouse ileum; Purinergic receptors.

MeSH terms

  • Adenine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Adenine / pharmacology*
  • Adenine / therapeutic use
  • Adenosine A1 Receptor Antagonists / chemistry*
  • Adenosine A1 Receptor Antagonists / pharmacology*
  • Adenosine A1 Receptor Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • CHO Cells
  • Cricetulus
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / metabolism
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / physiopathology
  • Gastrointestinal Motility / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Ileum / drug effects
  • Ileum / metabolism
  • Ileum / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Receptor, Adenosine A1 / metabolism

Substances

  • Adenosine A1 Receptor Antagonists
  • Receptor, Adenosine A1
  • Adenine