Adenosine A2A receptor activation reduces recurrence and mortality from Clostridium difficile infection in mice following vancomycin treatment.

Background: Activation of the A2A adenosine receptor (A2AAR) decreases production of inflammatory cytokines, prevents C. difficile toxin A-induced enteritis and, in combination with antibiotics, increases survival from sepsis in mice. We investigated whether A2AAR activation improves and A2AAR deletion worsens outcomes in a murine model of C.

Structure-activity relationship studies on 2-heteroaryl-4-arylimidazoles NPY5 receptor antagonists.

A series of 2-heteroaryl-4-arylimidazoles with potent in vitro activity at the NPY5 receptor was developed. Introduction of electron-withdrawing groups on the 4-aryl ring led to a significant improvement of in vitro potency. Several analogues from this series had anorectic activity in rodent feeding models, but were also found to have undesired behavioral effects in spontaneous locomotor activity.

Structure-activity relationships in a series of NPY Y5 antagonists: 3-amido-9-ethylcarbazoles, core-modified analogues and amide isosteres.

Beginning with carbazole 1a, the amide and alkyl substituents were optimized to maintain potency while adding solubilizing groups. Efforts to replace the 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole core, a known carcinogen, used the SAR generated in the carbazole series for guidance and led to the synthesis of a number of core-modified analogues. In addition, an isosteric series, in which the amide was replaced with an imidazole, was prepared.

In vitro and in vivo characterization of 3-[2-[6-(2-tert-butoxyethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl]benzonitrile hydrochloride salt, a potent and selective NPY5 receptor antagonist.

To investigate the anorectic potential of NPY5 receptor antagonists, we have profiled the in vitro and in vivo properties of 3-[2-[6-(2-tert-butoxyethoxy)pyridin-3-yl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl]benzonitrile hydrochloride salt (1). This compound was found to have excellent NPY5 receptor affinity and selectivity, potent functional antagonism, and good peripheral and central nervous system exposure in rats. This compound attenuated bovine pancreatic polypeptide induced food intake in rats but failed to demonstrate anorectic activity in rodent natural feeding models.