Title of Invention

"SMALL MOLECULE INHIBITORS OF ROTAMASE ENZYME ACTIVITY"

Abstract This invention relates to neurotrophic N-glyoxyl-prolyl ester compounds having an affinity for FKBP-type immunophiline, their preparation and use as inhibitors of the enzyme activity associated with immunophilin proteins, and particularly inhibitors of peptidyl-prolyl isomerase or rotamase enzyme activity. R1, is a C1-C9 straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl group optionally substituted with C-3-C8 cycloalkyi, C3 or C5 cydoalkyl, C5-C7 cycloalkenyl, or Ar1, where said alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyi or cycloalkenyl groups may be optionally substituted with C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 alkenyl, or hydroxy, and where Ar1, is selected from the group consisting of l-napthyl, 2-napthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl, or phenyl, having one to three substituents which are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, nitro, triflucromethyl, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, C1-C4 alkoxy or C1-C4 alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino; X is oxygen or sulfur, Y is oxygen or NR2, where R2 is hydrogen or C1-C6 alkyl; and Z is a C2-C6 straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, wherein the alkyl chain is substituted in one or more positions with Ar1 as defined above, C3-C8 , cycloalkyi, cycloalkyi connected by a C1-C6 straight or unbranched alkyl or alkenyl chain, or Ar2 where Ar2 is selected from the group consisting of 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thiazolyl, 2-thienyl, 3thienyl, 2-, 3-, or 4- pyridyl, or phenyl, having one to three substituents which are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxy!, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C1-C6 , straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, C1-C4 alkaxy or C1-C4 alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino; where R3 is selected from the group consisiting of straight or branched alkyl C1-C9 optionally substituted with C3-C8 cycloalkyi, or Ar1 as defined above; X2 is O or NR5 where R5 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl and alkenyl; R4 is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, benzyl, C1-C5 straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, and C1-C5 straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl substituted with phenyl; or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or hydrates thereof.
Full Text This invention relates to small molecule inhibitors of rotamase enzyme activity.
Related. Application
This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/479,436 filed June 7, 1995.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This inveiltion relates to neurotrophic compounds having an affinity for FKBP-type immunophilins, their preparation and use as inhibitors of the enzyme activity associated with immunophilin proteins, and particularly inhibitors of peptidyl-prolyl isomerase or rotamase enzyme activity.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The term immunophilin refers to a number of proteins that serve as receptors for the principal immunosuppressant drugs, cyclosporin A (CsA) , FK506, and rapamycin. Known classes of immunophilins are cyclophilins, and FK506 binding proteins, such as FKBP. Cyclosporin A binds to cyclophilin while FK506 and rapamycin bind to FKBP. These immunophilin-drug complexes interface with a variety of intracellular signal transduction systems, especially in the immune system and the nervous system,
Immunophilins are known to have peptidyl-prolyl
isomerase or
rotamase enzyme activity.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The term immunophilin refers to a number of
proteins that serve as receptors for the principal
immunosuppressant drugs, cyclosporin A (CsA), FK506,
and rapamycin. Known classes of immunophilins are
cyclophilins, and FK506 binding proteins, such as FKBP.
Cyclosporin A binds to cyclophilin while FK506 and
rapamycin bind to FKBP. These immunophilin-drug
complexes interface with a variety of intracellular
signal transduction systems, especially in the immune
system and the nervous system.
Immunophilins are known to have peptidyl-prolyl
isomerase (PPIase) or rotamase enzyme activity. It has
been determined that rotamase activity has a role in
the catalyzation of the interconversion of the cis and
trans isomer of immunophilin proteins.
Immunophilins were originally discovered and
studied in immune tissue. It was initially postulated
by those skilled in the art that inhibition of the
immunophilins rotamase activity leads to the inhibition
of T-cell proliferation, thereby causing the
immunosupprespive action exhibited by immunosuppressive
drugs such as- cyclosporin A, FK506, and rapamycin.
Further study has shown that the inhibition of rotamase
activity, in and of itself, is not sufficient for
immunosuppressant activity. Schreiber et al., Science,
1990 vol. 250 pp. 556-559. It has been shown that the
immunophilin-drug complexes interact with ternary
protein targets as their mode of action. Schreiber et
al., Cell, 1991, vol. 66, pp. 807-815. In the case of
FKBP-FK506 and FKBP-CsA, the drug-immunophilin
complexes bind to the enzyme calcineurin, inhibitory Tcell
receptor signalling leading to T-cell
proliferation. Similarly, the complex of rapamycin and
FKBP interacts with the RAFT1/FRAP protein and inhibits
signalling from the IL-2 receptor.
Immunophilins have been found to be present at
high concentrations in the central nervous system.
Immunophilins are enriched 10-50 times more in the
central nervous system than in the immune system.
Within neural tissues, immunophilins appear to
influence neuronal process extension, nitric oxide
synthesis, and neurotransmitter release.
It has been found that picomolar concentrations of
an immunosuppressant such as FK506 and rapamycin
stimulate neurite out growth in PC12 cells and sensory
nervous, namely dorsal root ganglion cells (DRGs).
Lyons et al., Proc. of Natl. Acad. Sci., 1994 vol. 91,
pp. 3191-3195. In whole animal experiments, FK506 has
been shown to stimulate nerve regeneration following
i
facial nerve .injury and results in functional recovery
in animals with sciatic nerve lesions.
Surprisingly, it has been found that drugs with a
high affinity for FKBP are potent rotamase inhibitors
causing a neurotrophic effect. Lyons et al. These
findings suggest the use of immunosuppressants in
treating various peripheral neuropathies and enhancing
neuronal regrowth in the central nervous system (CNS).
Studies have demonstrated that neurodegenerative
disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's
disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may
occur due to the loss, or decreased availability, of a
neurotrophic substance specific for a particular -
population of neurons affected in the disorder.
Several neurotrophic factors effecting specific
neuronal populations in the central nervous system have
been identified. For example, it has been hypothesized
that Alzheimer's disease results from a decrease or
loss of nerve growth factor (NGF). It has thus been
proposed to treat Alzheimer's patients with exogenous
nerve growth factor or other neurotrophic proteins such
as brain derived nerve factor (BDNF), glial derived
nerve factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor, and
neurotropin-3 to increase the survival of degenerating
neuronal populations.
Clinical application of these proteins in various
neurological disease states is hampered by difficulties
in the delivery and bioavailability of large proteins
to nervous system targets. By contrast,
immunosuppressant drugs with neurotrophic activity are
relatively small and display excellent bioavailability
and specificity. However, when administered
chronically, immunosuppressants exhibit a number of
potentially serious side effects including
nephrotox'icity, such as impairment of glomerular
filtration and irreversible interstitial fibrosis (Kopp
et al., 1991, J. Am. Soc. Nephrol. 1:162); neurological
deficits, such as involuntary tremors, or non-specific
cerebral angina such as non-localized headaches (De
Groen et al., 1987, N. Engl. J. Med. 317:861); and
vascular hypertension with complications resulting
therefrom (Kahan et al., 1989 N. Engl. J. Med. 321:
1725) .
In order to prevent the side effects associated
with use of the immunosuppressant compounds, the
present invention provides non-immunosuppressive
compounds containing small molecule FKBP rotamase
inhibitors for promoting neuronal growth and
regeneration in various neuropathological situations
where neuronal repair can be facilitated including
peripheral nerve damage by physical injury or disease
state such as diabetes, physical damage to the central
nervous system (spinal cord and brain) brain damage
associated with stroke, and for the treatment of
neurological disorders relating to neurodegeneration,
including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a novel class of
neurotrophic compounds having an affinity for FKBP-type
immunophilins. Once bound to this protein the
neurotrophic compounds are potent inhibitors of the
enzyme activity associated with immunophilin proteins
and particularly rotamase enzyme activity, thereby
stimulating neuronal regeneration and outgrowth. A key
feature of the compounds of the present invention is
that they do not exert any significant
immunosuppressive activity in addition to their. -
neurotrophic activity.
A preferred embodiment of this invention is a
neurotrophic compound of the formula:
where
Rj. is selected from the group consisting of a C^-Cj
straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl group
optionally substituted with C3-C8 cycloalkyl, C3 or
C5 cycloalkyl, C5-C7 cycloalkenyl, Ar1( where said
alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl groups
may be optionally substituted with C1-C4 alkyl, C^-
C4 alkenyl, or hydroxy, where ArT is selected from
the group consisting of 1-napthyl, 2-napthyl, 2-
indolyl, 3-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thiazolyl,
2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-,3-, 4-pyridyl, and
phenyl, having one to three substituents which are
independently selected from the group consisting
of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, nitro,
trifluoromethyl, C^-Cg straight or branched
alkyl or alkenyl, C:-C^ alkoxy or CX-C4 alkenyloxy,
phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino;
X is selected from the group consisting of
oxygen, sulfur, methylene (CH2) , or H2;
Y is selected from the group consisting of
oxygen or NR2, where R2 is hydrogen or C1-C6
alkyl; and
Z is selected from the group consisting of C2-
C6 straight or branched chain alkyl or
alkenyl,
wherein the alkyl chain is substituted in one or
more positions with Arx as defined above, C3-C8
cycloalkjyl, cycloalkyl connected by a C1-C6
*'
straight or unbranched alkyl or alkenyl chain, and
Ar2 where Ar2 is selected from the group
consisting of 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-
furyl, 2- thiazolyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-,
3-, or 4-pyridyl, and phenyl, having one to three
substituents which are independently selected from
the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl,
nitro, trifluoromethyl, Cl-C6 straight or branched
alkyl or alkenyl, Cl-Ct alkoxy or C1-C1 alkenyloxy,
phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino;
Z may also be the fragment:
(FIGURE rEMOVED)
where
R3 is selected from the group consisting of
straight or branched alkyl C1-C8 optionally
substituted with C3-C8 cycloalkyl, or Ar1 as
defined above, and unsubstituted Ar1
X2 is 0 or NR5/ where Rs is selected from the
group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C6 straight
or branched alkyl and alkenyl;
R4 is selected from the group consisting of
phenyl, benzyl/ C1-C5 straight or branched
alkyl or alkenyl, and C1-C5 straight or
branched alkyl or alkenyl substituted with
phenyl; or pharmaceutically acceptable salts
or hydrates thereof.
Another preferred embodiment of this invention is
a neurotrophic compound of the formula:
where
RL is a C1-C9 straight or branched chain alkyl
or alkenyl group optionally substituted with
c3-c8 cycloalkyl, C3 or C6 cycloalkyl, C5-C7
cycloalkenyl, or Ar1, where said alkyl,
alkenyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl groups
may be optionally substituted with C1-C4
alkyl, C1-C4 alkenyl, or hydroxy, and where
Ar1 is selected from the group consisting of
1-nap.thyl, 2-napthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl,
2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thiazolyl, 2-thienyl,
3-thienyl, 2-,3-, or 4-pyridyl, or phenyl,
having one to three substituents which are
independently selected from the group
.consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl,
nitro, trifluoromethyl, C1-C6 straight or
branched alkyl or alkenyl, C1-C4 alkoxy or C1-
C4 alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino;
Z is a C2-CS straight or branched chain alkyl
or alkenyl, wherein the alkyl chain is
substituted in one or more positions with Arx
as defined above, C3-C8 cycloalkyl,
cycloalkyl connected by a 1-C4 straightor
unbranched alkyl or alkenyl chain, or Ar2
where Ar2 is selected from the group
consisting of 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 2-furyl,
3-furyl, 2~ thiazolyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl,
2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl, or phenyl, having one
to three substituents which are independently
selected from the group consisting of
hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, nitro,
trifluoromethyl, C1-C6 straight or branched
alkyl or alkenyl, C1-C4 alkoxy or C1-C4
alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino; or
pharmaceutically acceptable salts or hydrates
thereof.
Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a
neurotrophic compound having an affinity for FKBP-type
immunophilins which inhibit the rotamase activity of
the immunophilin.
Another preferred embodiment of the present
invention is a method for treating a neurological
disorder in an animal comprising administering a
therapeutically effective amount of a compound having
an affinity for FKBP-type immunophilins which inhibits
the rotamase activity of the immunophilin.
Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a
method of promoting neuronal regeneration and growth in
mammals, comprising administering to a mammal an
effective amount of a neurotrophic compound having an
affinity for FKBP-type immunophilins which inhibits the
rotamase activity of the immunophilin.
Yet another preferred embodiment of the invention
is a method of preventing neurodegeneration in an
animal comprising administering to an animal an
effective amount of a neurotrophic compound having an
affinity for FKBP-type immurioph.ilins which inhibits
rotamase activity of the icnmunophilin.
Another preferred embodiment is a neurotrophic Nglyoxyl
prolyl eater compound of the formula:
where
Rx ia a CL-CS straight or branched chain alkyl
or alkenyl group optionally substituted with
C3 to Ct cycloalkyl, or Ar1 where Arx is
selected from the group consisting of 2-
furyl, 2-thienyl, or phenyl;
X is selected from the group consisting of
oxygen and suxfur;1
Y is oxygen; and
2 is a straight or branched chain alkyl or
alkenyl, wherein the alkyl chain is
substituted in one or more positions with Arr
as defined above, C1-C6 cycloalkyl, Ar3 where
Ar2 is selected from the group consisting of
2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl, or phenyl, having one
to three substituents which are independently
selected from the group consisting of
hydrogen and C1-C4 alkoxy.
Particularly preferred neurotrophic N-glyoxyl
prolyl ester compounds according to the above formula
are selected from the group consisting of:
3-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-propyl (23)-1- (3,3-
dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-l-prop-2-(E)-enyl (2S)-1-
(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-1-ethyl (2S)-l-(3,3-
dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(3-Pyridyl)-1-propyl (25)-I-(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-
dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(2-Pyridyl)-1-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-
dioxopentyl)-2 -pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(4-Pyridyl)-1-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-
dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-phenyl-1-propyl (2S)-1-(2-tert-butyl-1,2-
dioxoethyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-phenyl-1-propyl (2S)-1-(2-cyclohexylethyl-l,2-
dioxoethyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(3-pyridyl)-1-propyl (2S)-1-(2-cyclohexylethyl-
1,2-dioxoethyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(3-pyridyl)-1-propyl (2S)-1-(2-tert-butyl-1,2-
dioxoethyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3,3-diphenyl-l-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-
dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(3-pyridyl)-1-propyl (2S)-1-(2-cyclohexyl-l,2-
dioxoethyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(3-Pyridyl)-1-propyl (2S)-N-([2-thienyl]
glyoxyl)pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3,3-Diphenyl-l-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-
dioxobutyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3,3-Diphenyl-l-propyl (25}-1-cyclohexylglyoxyl-
2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, and
3,3-Diphenyl-1-propyl (25)-1-(2-thienyl)glyoxyl-
2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a photomicrograph of chick dorsal root
ganglia treated with various concentrations of- Example
17 as indicated. Figure 1 shows that Example 17 of the
present invention potently promotes neurite outgrowth
in sensory neuronal cultures. Explant cultures
isolated form embryonic day 9 - 1 0 chick dorsal root
ganglia were treated with various concentrations of
Example 17 as indicated. . Forty-eight hours later-, the
number of neurite with a length greater than one DRG
explant was quantitated. The number of neurites
expressed in untreated DRG's was subtracted form the
neurite number of Example 17-treated samples to yield
Example 17-dependent specific neurite outgrowth.
Micrographs of Example 17 treated DRG's, as well as
quantitative dose-dependent neurite outgrowth elicited
by Example 17 are presented.
Figure 2 is a graph showing quantitation of
neurite outgrowth in chick dorsal root ganglia treated
with various concentrations of Example 17 as indicated.
Figure 2 shows that Example 17 of the present invention
potently promotes neurite outgrowth in sensory neuronal
cultures. Explant cultures isolated form embryonic day
9 - 1 0 chick dorsal root ganglia were treated with
various concentrations of Example 17 as indicated.
Forty-eight hours later, the number of neurite with a
length greater than one DRG explant was quantitated.
The number of neurites expressed in untreated DRG's was
subtracted form the neurite number of Example
17-treated samples to yield Example 17-dependent
specific neurite outgrowth. Quantitative
dose-dependent neurite outgrowth elicited by Example 17
is presented.
Figure 3 is a photomicrograph of rat sciatic nerve
sections. Figure 3 shows that Example 1 of the present
invention promotes neuronal regeneration following
sciatic nerve lesions. Sciatic nerves of 150 g male
Sprague-Dawley rats were crushed at the level of the
hips. Example 1 (30 mg/kg s.c.), Inactive (30 mg/kg
s.c.) or intralipid vehicle was administered once daily
for the next 21 days. Animals were sacrificed, sciatic
nerves removed and nerve 'segments 2 mm distal to the
crush site were sectioned and stained with Holmes
silver stain (to assess axon number) and Luxol fast
blue (to assess remyelination). The micrographs show
sciatic nerve sections of sham operated rats,
vehicle-treated lesioned animals, Example 1 and
Inactive treated at 630x magnification, four animals
per group.
Figure 4 is a graph of [3H] -CFT binding per peg of
Striatal Membrane Protein. Figure 4 shows that
neuroimmunophiLin ligands of the present invention
promote recovery of dopamine neurons following MPTP
treatment of mice. GDI mice (25 g) were treated daily
with 30 mg/kg MPTP (i.p.) for 5 days. The animals were
also treated daily with intralipid vehicle, Example 1
(100 mg/kg s.c.) or Example 17 (40, 20, 10 mg/kg s.c.,
as indicated) concurrently with the MPTP and continued
for an additional 5 days. After eighteen days, the
mice were sacrificed, striata from 5 animals per group
were pooled and processed into a washed membrane
preparation. Binding of [3H]-CFT to these striated
membrane preparations of various groups was quantitated
to determine dopamine transporter levels on viable
nerve terminals. Binding in the presence of 10 /iM
unlabelled CFT provided on estimate of nonspecific
binding, which was subtracted from the total binding to
quantitative specific [3H]-CFT bound. Binding was
normalized to the protein content of the striatal
membranes from each experimental group. Coronal and
saggital brain sections from MPTP and drug treated
animals were stained with anti-tyrosine hydroxylase
(TH) Ig to quantitate striatal, medial forebrain
bundle axonal and nigral levels of TH, which is
indicative of functional dopaminergic neurons.
Figure 5 is a bar graph of [3H] -CFT plotted for
200g of membrane protein. Figure 5 shows that
neuroimmunophilin ligands of the present invention
promote recovery of dopamine neurons following MPTP
treatment of mice in accordance with- the procedure
described in Figure 4.
Figure 6 is a photomicrograph, at 630x
magnification, of coronal and saggital brain sections.
Figure 6 shows brain sections from MPTP and drug
treated animals stained with anti-tyrosine hydroxylase
(TH) Ig to quantitate striatal levels of TH, which is
indicative of functional dopaminergic neurons.
Figure 7 is a photomicrograph, at 50x
magnification, of coronal and saggital brain sections.
Figure 7 shows brain sections from MPTP and drug
treated animals stained with anti-tyrosine hydroxylase
(TH) Ig to quantitate nigral levels of TH, which is
indicative of functional dopaminergic neurons.
Figure 8 is a photomicrograph, at 400x
magnification, of coronal and saggital brain sections.
Figure 8 shows brain sections from MPTP and drug
treated animals stained with anti-tyrosine hydroxylase
(TH) Ig to quantitate medial forebrain bundle axonal
levels of TH, which is indicative of functional
dopaminergic neurons.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The novel neurotrophic compounds of this invention
are relatively small molecules in relation to other
known compounds which bind to FKBP-type immunophilins,
such as rapamycin, FK506, and cyclosporin.
The neurotrophic compounds of this invention have
an affinity for" the FK506- binding proteins such as
FKBP-12. When the neurotrophic compounds of the
invention are bound to the FKBP, they have been found
to unexpectedly inhibit the prolyl- peptidyl cis-trans
isomerase activity, or rotamase activity of the binding
protein and stimulate neurite growth, while not
exhibiting an immunosuppressant effect.
More particularly, this invention relates to a
novel class of neurotrophic compounds represented by
the formula:
where
R! is a C1-C9 straight or branched chain alkyl
or alkenyl group optionally substituted with
C3-C8 cycloalkyl, C3 or C5 cycloalkyl, CS-C7
cycloalkenyl, or Ar1 where said alkyl,
alkenyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl groups
may be optionally substituted with C1-C4
alkyl, C1-C44 alkenyl, or hydroxy, and where
Ari is selected from the group consisting of
1-napthyl, 2-napthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl,
2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2- thiazolyl, 2-thienyl, 3-
thienyl, 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl, or phenyl,
having one to three substituents which are
independently selected from the group
consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl,
nitro, trifluoromethyl, Cl-C6 straight or
branched alkyl or alkenyl, C1-C6 alkoxy or C^-
C4 alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino;
X is oxygen, sulfur, methylene (CH2) , or H2;
Y is oxygen or NR2, where R2 is hydrogen or Cx-
C6 alkyl; and
Z is a C2-C6 straight or branched chain alkyl
or alkenyl, wherein the alkyl chain is
substituted in one or more positions with
as defined above, C3-C9 cycloalkyl,
cycloalkyl connected by a C1-C6 straight or
(FIGURE rEMOVED)
where
Rx is a Ci-Cg straight or branched chain alkyl
or alkenyl group optionally substituted with
C3-C8 cycloalkyl, C3 or C5 cycloalkyl, CS-C7
cycloalkenyl, or Ar17 where said alkyl,
alkenyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl groups
may be optionally substituted with C - C
alkyl, C1-C4 alkenyl, or hydroxy, and where
Ar^is selected from the group consisting of
1-napthyl, 2-napthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl,
2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2- thiazolyl, 2-thienyl, 3-
thienyl, 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl, or phenyl,
having one to three substituents which are
independently selected from the group
consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl,
nitro, trifluoromethyl, C^-C6 straight or
branched alkyl or alkenyl, C1-C4 alkoxy or CC4
alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino;
X is oxygen, sulfur, methylene (CH2) , or H2 ;
Y is oxygen or NR2, where R2 is hydrogen or C1-
C6 alkyl; and
Z is a C2-C6 straight or branched chain alkyl
or alkenyl, wherein the alkyl chain is
substituted in one or more positions with
as defined above, C3-Ce cycloalkyl,
cycloalkyl connected by a C1-C6 straight or
unbranched alkyl or alkenyl chain, or Ar2
where Ar2 is selected from the group
consisting of 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 2-
furyl, 3-furyl, 2- thiazolyl, 2-thienyl, 3-
thienyl, 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl, or phenyl,
having one to three substituents which are
independently selected from the group
consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl,
nitro, trifluoromethyl, C1-C6 straight or
branched alkyl or alkenyl,•C1-C4 alkoxy or
C1-C4 alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and
amino;
may also be the fragment:
where
R3 is selected from the group consisting of
straight or branched alkyl C^-Cg optionally
substituted with C3-C8 cycloalkyl, or Arx as
defined above, and unsubstituted Arx;
X2 is 0 or NR5, where R5 is selected from the
group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C6 straight
or branched alkyl and alkenyl;
R4 is selected from the group consisting of
phenyl, benzyl, C1-C5 straight or branched
alkyl or alkenyl, and C1_-C5 straight or
branched alkyl or alkenyl substituted with
phenyl; or pharmaceutically acceptable salts
or hydrates thereof.
Preferred compounds have the following formula:
(FIGURE REMOVED)
where
R! is a C1-C9 straight or branched chain alkyl
or alkenyl group optionally substituted with
C3-Ca cycloalkyl, C3 or C5 cycloalkyl, C5-C7
cycloalkenyl, or Ar1; where said alkyl,
alkenyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl groups
may be optionally substituted with C1-C4
alkyl, Cj,-C4 alkenyl, or hydroxy, and where
ArL is selected from the group consisting of
1-napthyl, 2-napthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl,
2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2- thiazolyl, 2-thienyl, 3-
thienyl, 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl, or phenyl,
having one to three substituents which are
independently selected from the group
consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl,
nitro, trif luorotnethyl, C1-Cg straight or
branched alkyl or alkenyl,. C1-C4 alkoxy or C/-
C4 alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino;
is a C2-C6 straight or branched chain alkyl
or alkenyl, wherein the alkyl chain is
substituted in one or more positions with Ar:
as defined above, C3-C8 cycloalkyl,
cycloalkyl connected by a C^-Cg straight or
unbranched alkyl or alkenyl chain, or Ar2
where Ar2 is selected from the group
consisting of 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 2-
furyl, 3-furyl, 2- thiazolyl, 2-thienyl, 3-
thienyl, 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl, or phenyl,
having one to three substituents which are
independently selected from the group
consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl,
nitro, trifluoromethyl, C1-C6 straight or
branched alkyl or alkenyl, C1-C4 alkoxy or C1-
C4 alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino;
or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or
hydrates thereof.
Preferred neurotrophic N-glyoxyl prolyl sster
rompounda have the formula:
where
Rt is a Ci-Cs straight or branched chain alkyl
or alkenyl group optionally substituted with
C3 to C6 cycloalkyl, or Arwhere Art is
selected from the group consisting of 2-
furyl, 2-thienyl, or phenyl ,-
X is selected from the group consisting of
oxygen and sulfur;
Y is oxygen; and
Z is a straight or branched chain alkyl or
alkenyl, wherein the alkyl chain is
substituted in one or more positions with Arx
as defined above, C3-CS cycloalkyl, Ar2 where
Ar2 is selected from the group consisting o£
2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl, or phenyl, having one
to three substituents which are independently
selected from the group consisting of
hydrogen and C-C alkoxy.
The compounds of this invention exist as
stereoisomeric forms, either enantiomers or
diastereoisomers. The stereochemistry at position 1
(Formula 1) is R or S, with S preferred. Included
within the scope of the invention are the enantiomers,
the racemic form, and diastereoisomeric mixtures.
Enantiomers as well as diastereoisomers can be
separated by methods known to those skilled in the art.
It is known that immunophilins such as FKBP
preferentially recognize peptide substrates containing
Xaa-Pro-Yaa motifs, where Xaa and Yaa are lipophilic
amino acid residues. Schreiber et al. 1990 J. Org.
Chem. 55, 4984-4986; Harrison and Stein, 1990
Biochemistry, 29, 3813-38'!6. Thus modified prolyl
peptidomimetic compounds bearing lipophilic
substituents should bind with high affinity to the
hydrophobic core of the FKBP active site and inhibit
its rotamase activity.
Preferred compounds of the present invention
include Rx groups which are not stereochemically bulky
in relation to the known shape and size of the
hydrophobic core of the FKBP active site. Thus, very
large and/or highly substituted Rx groups would bind
with less affinity to the FKBP active site.
Preferred compounds of the invention include:
3-phenyl-l-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-
dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-phenyl-l-prop-2-(E)-enyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-
1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-1-propyl (2S)-1- (3,3-
dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylat e,
3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl (2S)-
1-(3,3-dimethyi-l,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidine
carboxylate, •
3 -(4,5-methylenedioxyphenyl)-1-propyl (2S)-1- (3,3 -
dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(4,5-methylenedioxyphenyl)-l-prop-2-(E)-enyl
(23)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-dioxopentyl)-2-
pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-cyclohexyl-1-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-
dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-cyclohexyl-l-prop-2-(E)-enyl (2S)-1- (3,3-
dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
UR)-1,3-diphenyl-1-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-
1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-phenyl-l-propyl (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-2-[2-
furanyl])ethyl-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-phenyl-l-propyl (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-2-[2-
thienyl])ethyl-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-phenyl-l-propyl (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-2-[2-
thiazolyl])ethyl-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-phenyl-l-propyl (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-2-
phenyl)ethyl-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-
dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-prop-2-(E)-enyl (2S)-1-
(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidiner*
carboxylate,
2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-1-ethyl (2S)-1-(3,3-
dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3- (3-Pyr^.dyl) -1-propyl (2S) -1- (3,3-dimethyl-1,2-
dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(2-Pyridyl)-1-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-
dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(4-Pyridyl)-1-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-
dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-phenyl-l-propyl (2S)-1-(2-cyclohexyl-l,2-
dioxoethyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-phenyl-l-propyl (2S)-1-(2-tert-butyl-1,2-
dioxoethyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-phenyl-l-propyl (2S)-I-(2-cyclohexylethyl-l,2-
dioxoethyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(3-pyridyl)-1-propyl (2S)-1-(2-cyclohexylethyl-
1,2-dioxoethyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(3-pyridyl)-1-propyl (2S)-1-(2-tert-butyl-1,2-
dioxoethyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3,3-diphenyl-1-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-
dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(3-pyridyl)-1-propyl (2S)-1-(2-cyclohexyl-l,2-
dioxoethyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(3-Pyridyl)-1-propyl (2S)-N-([2-thienyl]
glyoxyl)pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3,3-Diphenyl-1-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-
dioxobutyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3,3-Diphenyl-1-propyl (2S)-1-cyclohexylglyoxyl-
2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3,3-Diphenyl-1-propyl (2S)-1-(2-thienyl)glyoxyl-
2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate.
Particularly preferred neurotrophic N-glyoxyl
prolyl ester compounds are selected from the group
consisting of:
3-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-propyl (2S)-1- (3,3-
dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-l-prop-2-(E)-enyl (2S)-1-
(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
2- (3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-1-ethyl (2S)-l-(3,3-
dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(3-Pyridyl)-1-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-
dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(2-Pyridyl)-1-propyl (23)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-
dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(4-Pyridyl)-1-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-
dioxopentyl)- 2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-phenyl-l-propyl (2S)-1-(2-tert-butyl-1,2-
dioxoethyl)- 2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-phenyl-l-propyl (2S)-1-(2-cyclohexylethyl-l,2-
dioxoethyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(3-pyridyl)-1-propyl (25)-1-(2-cyclohexylethyl-
1,2-dioxoethyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(3-pyridyl)-1-propyl (2S)-1-(2-tert-butyl-l,2-
dioxoethyl)- 2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3,3-diphenyl-1-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-
dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(3-pyridyl)-1-propyl (25)-I-(2-cyclohexyl-l,2-
dioxoethyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3- (3-Pyridyl) -1-propyl (2S) -N- ('[2-thienyl]
glyoxyl)pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3,3-Diphenyl-1-propyl (25)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-
dioxobutyl)- 2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3,3-Diphenyl-1-propyl (25}-1-cyclohexylglyoxyl-
2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, and
3,3-Diphenyl-1-propyl (25}-1-(2-thienyl)glyoxyl-
2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate.
The compounds of the present invention can be used
in the form of salts derived from inorganic or organic
acids and bases. Included among such acid salts are
the following: acetate, adipate, alginate, aspartate,
benzoate, benzenesulfonate, bisulfate butyrate,
citrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate,
cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate,
ethanesulfonate, fumarate, glucoheptanoate,
glycerophosphate, hemissulfate heptanoate, hexanoate,
hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, 2-
hydroxyethanesulfonate, lactate, maleate,
methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalensulfonate, nicotinate,
oxalate, pamoate, pectinate, propionate, succinate,
tartrate, thiocyanate, tosylate and undecanoate. Base
salts include ammonium salts, alkali metal salts such
as sodium and potassium salts, alkaline earth metal
salts such as calcium and magnesium salts, salt with
organic bases such as dicyclohexylamine salts, Nmethyl-
D-glucamine, and salts with amino acids such as
arginine, lysine, and so forth. Also, the basic
nitrogen-containing groups can be quarternized with
such agents as lower alkyl halides, such as methyl,
ethyl, propyl, and butyl chloride, bromides and
iodides; dialkyl sulfates like dimethyl, diethyl,
dibutyl and diamyl sulfates, long chain halides such as
decyl, lauryl, myristyl and stearyl chlorides, bromides
and iodides, aralkyl halides like benzyl and phenethyl
bromides and others. Water or oil-soluble or
dispersible products are thereby obtained.
The neurotrophic compounds of this invention can
be periodically administered to a patient undergoing
treatment for neurological disorders or for other
reasons in which it is desirable to stimulate neuronal
regeneration and growth, such as in various peripheral
neuropathic and neurological disorders relating to
neurodegeneration. The compounds of this invention can
also be administered to mammals other than humans for
treatment of various mammalian neurological disorders.
ntraperitoneally, intrathecally, intraventricularly,
intrasternal and intracranial injection or infusion
techniques.
To be effective therapeutically as central nervous
system targets the immunophilin-drug complex should
readily penetrate the blood-brain barrier when
peripherally administered. Compounds of this invention
which cannot penetrate the blood-brain barrier can be
effectively administered by an intraventricular route.
The pharmaceutical compositions may be in the form
of a sterile injectable preparation, for example as a
sterile injectable aqueous or oleaginous suspension.
This suspension may be formulated according to
techniques know in the art using suitable dispersing or
wetting agents and suspending agents. The sterile
injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable
solution or suspension in a non-toxic parenterallyacceptable
diluent or solvent, for example as a
solution in 1,3-butanediol. Among the acceptable
vehicles and solvents that may be employed are water,
Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloride
solution. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are
conventionally employed as a solvent or suspending
medium. For this purpose any bland fixed oil may be
employed including synthetic mono- or diglycerides.
Fatty acids such as oleic acid and its glyceride
derivatives find use in the preparation of injectables,
olive oil or castor oil, especially in their
polyoxyethylated versions. These oil solutions or
suspensions may also contain a long-chain alcohol
diluent or dispersant.
The compounds may be administered orally in the
form of capsules or tablets, for example, or as an
aqueous suspension or solution. In the case of tablets
for oral use, carriers which are commonly used include
lactose and corn starch. Lubricating agents, such as
magnesium stearate, are also typically added. For oral
administration .in a capsule form, useful diluents
include lactose and dried corn starch. When aqueous
suspensions are required for oral use, the active
ingredient is combined with emulsifying,and suspending
agents. If desired, certain sweetening and/or
flavoring and/or coloring agents may be added.
The compounds of this invention may also be
administered in the form of suppositories for rectal
administration of the drug. These compositions can be
prepared by mixing the drug with a suitable nonirritating
excipient which is solid at room temperature
but liquid at rectal temperature and therefore will
melt in the rectum to release the drug. Such materials
include cocoa butter, beeswax and polyethylene glycols.
The compounds of this invention may also be
administered optically, especially when the conditions
addressed for treatment involve areas or organs readily
accessible by topical application, including
neurological disorders of the eye, the skin, or the
lower intestinal tract. Suitable topical formulations
are readily prepared for each of these areas.
For ophthalmic use, the compounds can be
formulated as micronized .suspensions in isotonic, pH
adjusted sterile saline, or, preferably, as solutions
is isotonic, pH adjusted sterile saline, either with or
without a preservative such as benzylalkonium chloride.
Alternatively for the ophthalmic uses the compounds may
be formulated in an ointment such as petrolatum.
For application topically to the skin, the
compounds can be formulated in a suitable ointment
containing the compound suspended or dissolved in, for
example, a mixture with one or more of the following:
mineral oil, liquid petrolatum, white petrolatum,
propylene glycol, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene
compound, emulsifying wax and water. Alternatively,
the compounds can be formulated in a suitable lotion or
cream containing the active compound suspended or
dissolved in, for example, a mixture of one or more of
the following: mineral oil, sorbitan monostearate,
polysorbate 60, cetyl esters wax, cetearyl alcohol, 2-
octyldodecanol, benzyl alcohol and water.
Topical application for the lower intestinal" tract
an be effected in a rectal suppository formulation (see
above) or in a suitable enema formulation.
Dosage levels on the order of about .Img to about
10,000 mg. of the active ingredient compound are useful
in the treatment of the above conditions, with
preferred levels of about 0.Img to about 1,000 mg. The
amount of active ingredient that may be combined with
the carrier materials to produce a single dosage form
will vary depending upon the host treated and the
particular mode of administration.
It is understood, however, that a specific dose
level for any particular patient will depend upon a
variety of factors including the activity of the
specific compound employed, the age, body weight,
general health," sex, diet, time of administration, rate
of excretion,'drug combination, and the severity of the
particular disease being treated and form of
administration.
The compounds can be administered with other
neurotrophic agents such as neurotrophic growth factor
(NGF), glial derived growth factor, brain derived
growth factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor, and
neurotropin-3. The dosage level of other neurotrophic
drugs will depend upon the factors previously stated
and the neurotrophic effectiveness of the drug
combination.
li Test Procedure
Inhibition of the peptidyl-prolyl isomerase -
(rotamase) activity of the inventive compounds can be
evaluated by known methods described in the literature
(Harding, M.W. et al. .Nature 341: 758-760 (1989); Holt
et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 115: 9923-9938) . These values
are obtained as apparent K and are presented in
Table I. The cis-trans isomerization of an alanineproline
bond in a model substrate, N-succinyl-Ala-Ala-
Pro-Phe-p-nitroanilide, is monitored
spectrophotometrically in a chymotrypsin-coupled assay,
which releases para-nitroanilide from the trans form of
the substrate.. The inhibition of this reaction caused .
by the addition of different concentrations of
inhibitor is determined, and the data is analyzed as a
change in first-order rate constant as a function of
inhibitor conpentration to yield the apparent K^
values.
In a plastic cuvette are added 950 mL of ice cold
assay buffer (25 mM HEPES, pH 7.8, 100 mM NaCl), 10 mL
of FKBP (2.5 mM in 10 mM Tris-Cl pH 7.5, 100 mM NaCl, 1
mM dithiothreitol), 25 mL of chymotrypsin (50 mg/ml in
1 mM HCl) and 10 mL of test compound at various
concentrations in dimethyl sulfoxide. The reaction is
initiated by the addition of 5 mL of substrate
(succinyl-Ala-Phe-Pro-Phe-para-nitroanilide, 5 mg/mL in
2.35 mM LiCl in trifluoroethanol).
The absorbance at 390 nm versus time is monitored
for 90 sec using a spectrophotometer and the rate
constants are determined from the absorbance versus
time data files.
(Table Removed)
In mammalian cells, FKBP-12 complexes with the
inositol triphosphate receptor (IP3R) and the ryanodine
receptor (RyR). It is believed that the neurotrophic
compounds of this invention disassociates FKBP-12 from
these complexes causing the calcium channel to become
"leaky" (Cameron et al., 1995). Calcium fluxes are
involved in neurite extensions so that the IP3R
receptor and the ryanodine receptor might be involved
in the neurotrophic effects of drugs. Since the drugs
bind to the same site as FKBP-12 as the IP3R receptor,
one could assume that the drugs displace the channels
from FKBP-12.
Chick Dorsal Root Ganglion
Cultures and Neurite Outgrowth
Dorsal root ganglia were dissected from chick
embryos of ten day gestation. Whole ganglion explants
were cultured on thin layer Matrigel-coated 12 well
plates with Liebovitz L15 plus high glucose media
supplemented with 2mM glutamine and 10% fetal calf
serum, and also containing 10 JJ.M. cytosine /3-D
arabinofuranoside (Ara C) at 37°C in an environment
containing 5% CO2. Twenty-four hours later, the DRGs
were treated with various concentrations of nervegrowth
factor, immunophilin ligands or combinations of
NFG plus drugs. Forty-eight hours after drug
treatment, the ganglia were visualized under phase
contrast or Hoffman Modulation contrast with a Zeiss
Axiovert inverted microscope. Photomicrographs of the
explants were made, and neurite outgrowth was
quantitated. Neurites longer than the DRG diameter
were counted as positive, with total number of neurites
quantitated per each experimental condition. Three to
four DRGs are cultured-per well, and each treatment was
performed in duplicate.
The data for these experiments are presented in
Table II. Representative photomicrographs for Example
17 are shown in Figure 1; a dose response curve for
this Example jla given in Figure 2 .•
(Table Removed)
Sciatic Nerve Axotomy
Six-week old male Sprague-Dawley rats were
anesthetized, and the sciatic nerve exposed and
crushed, at the level .of the hip, by forceps. Test
compounds or vehicle were administered subcutaneously
just prior to the lesion and daily for the following 18
days. Sections of the sciatic nerve were stained with
Holmes silver stain to quantify the number of axons,
and Luxol fast blue to quantify the level of
myelination. Eighteen days after lesion, there was a
significant decrease in the number of axons (50%
decrease as compared to non-lesioned control) and
degree of myelination (90% decrease as compared to nonlesioned
control) in animal treated with vehicle.
Administration of Example 1 (30 mg/kg s.c.), just
prior to the lesion and daily for 18 days following the
lesion, resulted in significant regeneration of both
7
axon number (5% decrease as compared to non-lesioned
control) and the degree of myelination (50% decrease as
compared to control) as compared to vehicle treated
animals. The significant efficacy of Example 1 is
consistent with its potent activity in inhibiting
rotamase activity and stimulating neurite outgrowth in
chick DRGs. These results are shown in Figure 3. "Sham"
denotes control animals that received vehicle but'were
not lesioned; "Vehicle" denotes animals that were
lesioned and received only vehicle (i.e., no drug).
Example 1 showed a striking similarity to the sham
treated animals, demonstrating the powerful
neuroregenerative effects of these compounds in vivo.
Inactive is a compound that is inactive as an FKBP12
inhibitor. Animals treated with this compound resembled
the vehicle-treated lesioned animals, consistent with
the neuroregenerative results observed with Example 1
being directly caused by its inhibition of FKBP12.
Quantitation for these data are shown in Table III.
Table III
Treatment Axon Number Myelin Level
(% Control)
Sham '• . 100 100
Lesion:
+ Vehicle (s.c.) 50 10
+ Example 1 100 50
(30 mg/
kg s.c.}
+ Inactive 25 25
(30 mg/kg s.c.)
MPTP Model of Parkinson's Disease in Mice
MPTP lesioning of dopaminergic neurons in mice was
used as an animal model of Parkinson's Disease. Four
week old male GDI white mice were dosed i.p. with 30
mg/kg of MPTP for 5 days. Example 17(10-40 mg/kg), or
vehicle, were administered s.c. along with the MPTP for
5 days, as well as for an additional 5 days following
cessation of MPTP treatment. At 18 days following MPTP
4
treatment, the animals were sacrificed and the striata
were dissected and homogenized. Binding of [3HJCFT, a
radioligand for the dopamine transporter, to the
stiatal membranes was done to quantitate the level of
the dopamine transporter (DAT) following lesion and
drug treatment. Immunostaining was performed on
saggital and coronal brain sections using anti-tyrosine
hydoxylase Ig to quantitate survival and recovery of
dopaminergic neurons. In animals treated with MPTP and
vehicle, a substantial loss of functional dopaminergic
terminals was observed as compared to non-lesioned
animals. Lesioned animals receiving Example 17 showed a
nearly quantitative recovery of TH-stained dopaminergic
neurons.
Figures 4 and 5 show the quantitation in DAT
levels, whereas* figures 6-8 are photomicrographs
showing the regenerative effects of Example 17 in this
model. Figure 4 demonstrates the significant recovery
in functional dopaminergic terminals, as assayed by
[3H]-CFT binding, relative to animals receiving MPTP
but not the Guilford compounds. Figure 5 gives this
data in bar graph form. It is shown that animals
receiving 40 mg/kg of Example 17 in addition to MPTP
manifested a greater than 90% recovery of [3H]-CFT
binding. As shown in Figures 6-8, immunostaining for
tyrosine hydroxylase (a marker of viable dopaminergic
neurons) in the striatum, the nigra, and the medial
forebrain bundle, shows a clear and marked recovery of
t
functional neurons in animals that received Example 17,
as compared to animals that received lesioning agent
but no drug (MPTP/Vehicle).
The following examples are illustrative of
preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to
be construed as limiting the invention thereto. All
preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to
be construed as limiting the invention thereto. All
polymer molecular weights are mean average molecular
weights. All percentages are based on the percent by
weight of the final delivery system or formulation
prepared unless otherwise indicated and all totals
equal 100% by weight.
EXAMPLES
The inventive compounds may be prepared by a
variety of synthetic sequences that .utilize established
chemical transformations. The general pathway to the
present compounds is described in Scheme 1. Nglyoxylproline
derivatives may be prepared by reacting
L-proline methyl ester with methyl oxalyl chloride as
shown in Scheme I. The resulting oxamates may be
reacted with a variety of carbon nucleophiles to obtain
intermediates compounds. These intermediates are then
reacted with a variety of alcohols, amides, or
protected amino acid residues to obtain the propyl
esters and amides of the invention.
(Table Removed)
EXAMPLE 1
Synthesis of 3-phenyl-l-propyl (23)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-
1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate (Example 1).
Synthesis of methyl (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-2-
methoxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate.
A solution of L-proline methyl ester hydrochloride
(3.08 g; 18.60 mmol) in dry methylene chloride was
cooled to 0°C and treated with triethylamine C3.92 g;
38.74 mmol; 2.1 eq). After stirring the formed slurry
under a nitrogen atmosphere for 1.5 min, a solution of
methyl oxalyl chloride (3.20 g; 26.12 mmol) in
methylene chloride (45 mL) was added dropwise. The
resulting mixture was stirred at 0°C for 1.5 hr. After
filtering to remove solids, the organic phase was
washed with water, dried over MgS04 and concentrated.
The crude residue was purified on a silica gel column,
eluting with 50% ethyl acetate in hexane, to obtain
3.52 g (88%) of the product as a reddish oil. Mixture
of cis-trans amide rotamers; data for trans rotamer
given. XH NMR (CDC13) : d .1.93 (dm, 2H) ; 2.17 (m, 2H) ;
3.62 (m, 2H); 3.71 (s, 3H); 3.79, 3.84 ( s, 3H total);
4.86 (dd, 1H, J = 8.4, 3.3).
Synthesis of methyl (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-3,3 -
dimethylpentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate.
A solution1 of methyl (2S) -1- (1, 2-dioxo-2-
methoxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate (2.35 g; 10.90
mtnol) in 30 mL of tetrahydrofuran (THF) was cooled to
-78°C and treated with 14.2 mL of a 1.0 M solution of
1,1-dimethylpropylmagnesium chloride in THF. After
stirring the resulting homogeneous mixture at -78°C for
three hours, the mixture was poured into saturated
ammonium chloride (100 mL) and extracted into ethyl
acetate. The organic phase was washed with water,
dried, and concentrated, and the crude material
obtained upon removal of the solvent was purified on a
silica gel column, eluting with 25% ethyl acetate in
hexane, to obtain 2.10 g (75%) of the oxamate as a
colorless oil. XH NMR (CDC13) : d 0.88 (t, 3H) ; 1.22,
1.26 (s, 3H each); 1.75 (dm, 2H); 1.87-2.10 (m, 3H);
2.23 (m, 1H); 3.54 (m, 2H); 3.76 (s, 3H); 4.52 (dm, 1H,
J = 8.4, 3 .4) .
Synthesis of (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-3,3-
dimethylpentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid.
A mixture of methyl (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-3,3-
dimethylpentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate (2.10 g; 8.23
mmol), 1 N LiOH (15 mL), and methanol (50 mL) was
•stirred at 0°C for 30 min and at room temperature
overnight. The mixture was acidified to pH 1 with 1 N
HC1, diluted with water, and extracted into 100 mL of
methylene chloride. The organic extract was washed with
brine and concentrated to deliver 1.73 g (87%) of snowwhite
solid which did not require further purification.
XH NMR (CDCl3)i:'d 0.87 (t, 3H) ; 1.22, 1.25 (s, 3H
each); 1.77 (dm, 2H); 2.02 (m, 2H); 2.17 (m, 1H); 2.25
(m, 1H) ; 3.53 (dd, 2H, J = 10.4,- 7.3); 4.55 (dd, 1H,
8.6,4.1).
Synthesis of 3-phenyl-1-propyl (2S)-l-(3,3-
dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate
(Example 1). A mixture of (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-3,3-
dimethylpentylh-2-pyrrolidine-carboxylic acid (600 mg;
2.49 mmol), 3-phenyl-1-propanol (508 mg; 3.73 mmol),
dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (822 mg; 3.98 mmol),
camphorsulphonic acid (190 mg; 0.8 mmol) and 4-
dimethylaminopyridine (100 mg; 0.8 mmol) in methylene
chloride (20 mL) was stirred overnight under a nitrogen,
atmosphere. The reaction mixture was filtered through
Celite to remove solids and concentrated in vacuo, and
the crude material was purified on a flash column (25%
ethyl acetate in hexane) to obtain 720 mg (80%) of
Example 1 as a colorless oil. 1E NMR (CDC13) : d 0.84
(t, 3H); 1.19 (S, 3H); 1.23 (s, 3H); 1.70 (dm, 2H);
1.98 (m, 5H); 2.22 (m, 1H); 2.64 (m, 2H); 3.47 (m, 2H) /
4.14 (m, 2H); 4.51 (d, 1H); 7.16 (m, 3H); 7.26 (m, 2H).
The method of Example 1 was utilized to prepare
the following illustrative examples:
Example 2: 3-phenyl-l-prop-2-(E)-enyl (2S)-l-(3,3-
dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
80%, XH NMR (360 Mhz, CDC13) : d 0.86 (t, 3H) ; 1.21 (s,
3H); 1.25 (S, 3H); 1.54-2.10 (m, 5H); 2.10-2.37 (m,
1H); 3.52-3.5$ *(m, 2H); 4.56 (dd, 1H, J = 3.8, 8.9);
4.78-4.83 (m,'2H); 6.27 (m, 1H); 6.67 (dd, 1H, J =
15.9) ; 7.13-7:50 (m, 5H) ..
Example 3: 3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-1-propyl (2S)-1-
(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
61%, XH NMR (CDC13) : d 0.84 (t, 3H) ; 1.15
(s, 3H); 1.24 (s, 3H); 1.71 (dm, 2H); 1.98 (m, 5H);
2.24 (m, 1H); 2.63 (m, 2H); 3.51 (t, 2H); 3.79 (s, 3H) ;
3.83 (s, 3H); 4.14 (m, 2H); 4.52 (m, 1H); 6.36 (s, 2H).
Example 4: 3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-l-prop-2-(E)-enyl
(2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidine
carboxylate, 66%, 1H NMR (CDC13) : d 0.85 (t, 3H) ; 1.22
(s, 3H); 1.25 (s, 3H); 1.50-2.11 (m, 5H); 2.11-2.40 (m,
1H); 3.55 (m, 2H); 3.85 (s, 3H); 3.88 (s, 6H); 4.56
(dd, 1H); 4.81 (m, 2H); 6.22 (m, 1H); 6.58 (d, 1H, J =
16); 6.63 (s, 2H).
Example 5: 3-(4,5-methylenedioxyphenyl)-1-propyl (2S)-
1-(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidine46
carboxylate,82%, XH NMR (360 MHz, CDC13) : d 0.86
(t,3H); 1.22 (S, 3H) ; 1.25 (s, 3H) ; 1.60-2.10 (m, 5H) ;
3.36-3.79 (m, 2H); 4.53 (dd, 1H, J = 3.8, 8.6); 4.61-
4.89 (m, 2H); 5.96 (s, 2H); 6.10 (m, 1H); 6.57 (dd, 1H,
J = 6'.2, 15.8); 6.75 (d, 1H, J = 8.0); 6.83 (dd, 1H, J
= 1.3, 8.0); 6.93 (s, 1H).
Example 6: 3-(4,5-methylenedioxyphenyl)-1-prop-2- (E)-
enyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-
pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 82%, XH NMR (360 MHz, CDC13) : d
0.86 (t, 3H);jl.22 (s, 3H) ; 1.25 (s, 3H) ; 1.60-2.10 (m,
5H) ; 2.10-2.39 (m, 1H) ; 3.36-3.79 (m, 2H) ; 4.53 (dd,
1H, J = 3.8, 8.6); 4.61-4.89 (m, 2H) ; 5.96 (s, 2H) ;
6.10 (m, 1H); 6.57 (dd, 1H, J = 6.2, 15.8); 6.75 (d,
1H, J = 8.0); 6.83 (dd, 1H, J = 1.3, 8.0); 6.93 (s,
1H) .
Example 8: 3-cyclohexyl-l-prop-2-(E)-enyl (2S)-l-(3,3-
dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
92%, XH NMR (360 MHz, CDC13): d 0.86 (t, 3H) / 1.13-1.40
(m + 2 singlets, 9H total); 1.50-1.87 (m, 8H); 1.87-
2.44 (m, 6H) ; 3.34-3.82 (m, 2H) ; 4.40-4.76 (m, 3H) ;
5.35-5.60 (m, 1H); 5.60-5.82 (dd, 1H, J = 6.5, 16).
Example 9: (1R)-1,3-Diphenyl-l-propyl (2S)-l-(3,3-
dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
90%, XH NMR (360 MHz, CDC13): d 0.85 (t, 3H) ; 1.20 (s,
3H); 1.23 (S, 3H); 1.49-2.39 (m, 7H); 2.46-2.86 (m,
2H) ; 3.25-3.80 (m, 2H) ; 4.42-4.82 (m, 1H) ; 5.82 (td,
1H, J = 1.8, 6.7); 7.05-7.21 (m, 3H); 7.21-7.46 (m,
7H) .
Example 10: 3-phenyl-l-propyl (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-2- [2-
furanyl])ethyl-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 99%, XH NMR
(300 MHz, CDC13) : d 1.66-2.41 (m, 6H) ; 2.72 (t, 2H, J =
7.5); 3.75 (m, 2H); 4.21 (m, 2H); 4.61 (m, 1H); 6.58
(m, 1H); 7.16-7.29 (m, 5H); 7.73 (m, 2H).
Example 11: 3-phenyl-l-propyl (2S)-1-(1,2-dioxo-2- [2-
thienyl])ethyl-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 81%, 1H NMR
(300 MHz, CDC13) : d 1.88-2.41 (m, 6H) ; 2.72 (dm, 2H) ;
3.72 (m, 2H) ; 4.05 (m, 1H) ; 4.22 (m, 1H) ; 4.64 (m, 1H) ;
7.13-7.29 (m,,6H); 7.75 (dm, 1H); 8.05 (m, 1H).
Example 13: 3-phenyl-l-propyl f2S)-1-(1,2~dioxo-2-
phenyl)ethyl-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 99%, XH NMR (300
MHz, CDC13) : d 1.97-2.32 (m, 6H) ; 2.74 (t, 2H, J =
7.5); 3.57 (m, 2H); 4.24 (m, 2H); 4.67 (m, 1H); 6.95-
7.28 (m, 5H) ; 7.51-7.64 (m, 3H) ; 8.03-8.09 (m, 2H) .
Example 14: 3-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-propyl (2S)-1-
(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
99%, XH NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) : d 0.87 (t,
3H); 1.22 (s, 3H); 1.26 (s, 3H); 1.69 (m, 2H); 1.96 (m,
5H); 2.24 (m, 1H); 2.68 (m, 2H); 3.55 (m, 2H); 3.75 (s,
3H); 3.77 (s, 3H); 4.17 (m, 2H); 4.53 (d, 1H); 6.72 (m,
3H) .
Example 15: 3-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-l-prop-2-(E)-enyl
(2S)-I-(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
99%, *H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) : d 0.87 (t,
3H); 1.22 (s, 3H); 1.26 (s, 3H); 1.67 (m, 2H); 1.78 (m,
1H); 2.07 (m, 2H); 2.26 (m, 1H); 3.52 (m, 2H); 3.78 (s,
3H); 3.80 (s, 3H); 4.54 (m, 1H); 4.81 (m, 2H); 6.29
48
(dt, 1H, J = 15.9); 6.98 (s, 1H).
Example 16: 2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-1-ethyl (23)-1-
(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
97%, XH NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) : d 0.84 (t,
3H); 1.15 (S, 3H); 1.24 (s, 3H); 1.71 (dm, 2H)/ 1.98
(m, 5H); 2.24 (m, 1H); 2.63 (m, 2H); 3.51 (t, 2H); 3.79
(S, 3H); 3.83 (s, 3H); 4.14 (m, 2H); 4.52 (m, 1H); 6.36
(s, 2H).
Example 17: 3-(3-Pyridyl)-1-propyl (2S)-i-(3,3-
dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
80%, XH NMR (GDC13, 300 MHz): d 0.85 (t, 3H) ; 1.23,
1.26 (s, 3H each); 1.63-1.89 (m, 2H); 1.90-2.30 (m,
4H) ; 2.30-2.50 (m, 1H) ; 2.72 (t, 2H) ; 3.53 (m, 2H) ;
4.19 (m, 2H); 4.53 (m, 1H); 7.22 (m, 1H); 7.53 (dd,
1H); 8.45.
Example 18: 3-(2-Pyridyl)-1-propyl (2S)-l-(3,3-
dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
88%, XH NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz): d 0.84 (t, 3H) / 1.22,
1.27 (s, 3H each); 1.68-2.32 (m, 8H); 2.88 (t, 2H, J =
7.5); 3.52 (m, 2H); 4.20 (m, 2H); 4.51 (m, 1H); 7.09-
7.19 (m, 2H); 7.59 (m, 1H); 8.53 (d, 1H, J = 4.9).
•Example 19: 3-(4-Pyridyl)-l-propyl ( 2 S ) - l - ( 3 , 3 -
dimethyl-1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
91%, rH NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz): d 6 . 9 2 - 6 . 8 0 (m, 4H) ; 6.28
(m, 1H); 5.25 (d, 1H, J = 5 . 7 ) ; 4.12 (m, 1H); 4 . 0 8 (s,
3H); 3.79 (s, 3H); 3.30 (m, 2H); 2.33 (m, 1H); 1.85-
1.22 (m, 7H); 1.25 (s, 3H); 1.23 (s, 3H); 0.89 (t, 3H,
J = 7 . 5 ) .
Example 20: 3-phenyl-l-propyl (2S)-1-(2-cyclohexyl-l,2-
dioxoethyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 91%, 1E NMR
(CDCla, 300 MHz): d 1.09-1.33 (m, 5H); 1.62-2.33 (m,
12H); 2.69 ) t , 2H, J = 7 . 5 ) ; 3.15 (dm, 1H); 3.68 (m,
2H); 4.16 (m, 2 H ) ; 4 . 5 3 , 4 . 8 4 (d, 1H total); 7.19 (m,
3H); 7.29 (m, 2H).
Example 21: 3-phenyl-l-propyl (2S)-1-(2-tert-butyl-1,2-
dioxoethyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 92%, XH NMR
(CDC13, 300 MHz): d 1.29 (s, 9H) ; 1.94-2.03 (m, 5H);
2.21 (m, lH);i2V69 (m, 2H) ; 3.50-3.52 (m, 2H) ; 4.16 (m,
2H); 4.53 (m,'1H); 7.19 (m, 3H); 7.30 (m, 2H).
Example 22: 3-phenyl-l-propyl (2S)-1-(2-cyclohexylet'hyl-
1,2-dioxoethyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 97%, *H
NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz): d 0.88 (m, 2H) ; 1.16 (m, 4H) ;
1.43-1.51 (m, 2H) ; 1.67 (m, 5H) ; 1.94-2.01 (m, 6H) ;
2.66-2.87 (m, 4H); 3.62-3.77 (m, 2H); 4.15 (m, 2H) ;
4.86 (m, 1H) ; 7.17-7.32 (m, 5H) .
Example 23: 3-(3-pyridyl)-1-propyl (2S)-1-(2-cyclohexylethyl-
1,2-dioxoethyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
70%, XH NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz): d 0.87 (m, 2H) ; 1.16 (m,
4H) ; 1.49 (m, 2H) ; 1.68 (m, 4H) ; 1.95-2.32 (m, 7H) ;
2.71 (m, 2H); 2.85 (m, 2H); 3.63-3.78 (m, 2H);-4.19 (m,
2H); 5.30 (m, 1H); 7.23 (m, 1H); 7.53 (m, 1H); 8.46 (m,
2H) .
Example 24: 3-(3-pyridyl)-1-propyl (2S) -1-(2-tertbutyl-
1 ,2-dioxoethyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 83%, XH
NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz): d 1.29 (s, 9H); 1.95-2.04 (m,
5H) ; 2.31 (m, 1H) ; 2.72 (t, 2H, J = 7.5); 3.52 (m, 2H)
4.18 (m, 2H); 4.52 (m, 1H); 7.19-7.25 (m, 1H); 7.53 (m,
1H); 8.46 (m, 2H).
Example 25: 3,3-diphenyl-1-propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-
1,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 99%, XH NMR
(CDC13, 300 MHz): d 0.85 (t, 3H); 1.21, 1.26 (s, 3H
each); 1.68-2.04 (m, 5H); 2.31 (m, 1H); 2.40 (m, 2H) ;
3.51 (m, 2H) ; 4.08 (m, 3H) ,- 4.52 (m, 1H) ; 7.18-7.31 (m,
10H) .
Example 26: 3-(3-pyridyl)-1-propyl (2S)-1-(2-cyclohexyl-
1, 2-dioKt5ethyl) -2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 88%, XH
NMR (CDC13, 300 MHz): d 1.24-1.28 (m, 5H); 1.88-2.35
(m, 11H) ; 2.72 (t, 2H, J = 7.5); 3.00-3.33 (dm, 1H) ;
3.69 (m, 2H); 4.19 (m, 2H); 4.55 (m, 1H); 7.20-7.24 (m,
1H); 7.53 (m, 1H); 8.47 (m, 2H).
Example 27: 3-(3-Pyridyl)-1-propyl (2S)-N-([2-thienyl]
glyoxyl)pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 49%, *H NMR (CDC13, 300
MHz): d 1.81-2.39 (m, 6H); 2.72 (dm, 2H); 3.73 (m, 2H);
4.21 (m, 2H); 4.95 (m, 1H); 7.19 (m, 2H); 7.61 (m, 1H);
7.80 (d, 1H); 8.04 (d, 1H); 8.46 (m, 2H).
Example 28: 3,3-Diphenyl-l-propyl (25)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-
1,2-dioxobutyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 99%, 1H NMR
(CDC13, 300 MHz): d 1.27 (s, 9H); 1.96 (m, 2H); 2.44
(m, 4H) ; 3.49 (m, 1H) ; 3.64 (m, 1H) ; 4.08 (m, 4H)'; 4.53
(dd, 1H) ; 7.24 (m, 10H) .
Example 29: 3,3-Diphenyl-l-propyl (25)-1-cyclohexyl
glyoxyl-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 91%, *H NMR (CDC13,
300 MHz): d 1.32 (m, 6H); 1.54-2.41 (m, 10H); 3.20
(dm, 1H); 3.69 (m, 2H); 4.12 (m, 4H); 4.52 (d, 1H);
7.28 (m, 10H).
Example 30: 3,3-Diphenyl-1-propyl (2S)-1-(2-thienyl)
glyoxyl-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 75%, 1R NMR (CDC13,
300 MHz): d2.04 (m, 3H); 2.26 (m, 2H); 2.48 (m, 1H);
3.70 (m, 2H); 3.82-4.18 (m, 3H total); 4.64 (m, 1H);
7.25 (m, 11H) ; 7.76 (dd, 1H) ; 8.03 (m, 1H) .
The requisite substituted alcohols may be prepared
by a number of methods known to those skilled in the
art of organic .synthesis.. As described in Scheme II,
alkyl or aryl.aldehydes may be homologated to phenyl
propanols by reaction with methyl
(triphenylphosphoranylidene)acetate to provide a
variety of trans-cinnamates; these latter may be
reduced to the saturated alcohols by reaction with
excess lithium aluminum hydride, or sequentially by
reduction of the double bond by catalytic hydrogenation
and reduction of the saturated ester by appropriate
reducing agents. Alternatively, the trans-cinnamates
may be reduced to (E)-allylic alcohols by the use of
diisobutylaluminum hydride.
(Table Removed)
Longer chain alcohols may be prepared by
homologation of benzylic and higher aldehydes.
Alternatively, these aldehydes may be prepared by
conversion of the corresponding phenylacetic' and higher
acids, and phenethyl and higher alcohols.
General procedure for the synthesis of acrylic
esters, exemplified for methyl (3,3,5-trimethoxy)-
trans-cinnamate:
A solution of 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde (5.0 g;
25.48 mmol) and- methyl (triphenyl--
phosphoranylidene)acetate (10.0 g; 29.91 mmol) in
tetrahydrofuran (250 mL) was refluxed overnight. After
cooling, the reaction mixture was diluted with 200 mL
of ethyl acetate and washed with 2 x 200 mL of water,
dried, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude residue was
chromatographed on a silica gel column, eluting with
25% ethyl acetate in hexane, to obtain 5.63 g (88%) of
the cinnamate as a white crystalline solid, 1H NMR (300
Mhz; CDC13) : d 3.78 (s, 3H) ; 3.85 (s, 6H) ; 6.32 (d,
1H, J = 16); 6.72 (s, 2H) ; 7.59 (d, 1H, J = 16).
General procedure for the synthesis of saturated
alcohols from acrylic esters. Exemplified for (3,4,5-
trimethoxy) phenylpropanol.
A solution of methyl (3,3,5-trimethoxy)-transcinnamate
(1.81 g; 7.17 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (30
mL) was added in a dropwise manner to a solution of
lithium aluminum hydride (14 mmol) in THF (35 mL), with
stirring and under an argon atmosphere. After the
53
addition was complete, the mixture was heated to 75°C
for 4 hours. After cooling, it was quenched by the
careful addition of 15 mL of 2N NaOH followed by 50 mL
of water. The resulting mixture was filtered through
Celite to remove solids, and the filter cake was washed
with ethyl acetate. The combined organic fractions were
washed with water, dried, concentrated in vacuo, and
purified on a silica gel column, eluting with ethyl
acetate to obtain 0.86 g (53%) of the alcohol as a
clear oil, 1HJNMR (300 Mhz; CDC13) : d 1.23 (br, 1H) ;
1.87 (m, 2H);'2.61 (t, 2H, J = 7.1); 3.66 (t, 2H) ; 3.80
(s, 3H); 3.83 (s, 6H); 6.40 (s, 2H).
General procedure for the synthesis of transallylic
alcohols from acrylic esters. Exemplified for
(3,4,5-trimethoxy)phenylprop-2-(E)-enol.
A solution of methyl (3,3,5-trimethoxy)-transcinnamate
(1.35 g; 5.35 mmol) in toluene (25 mL) was
cooled to -10°C and treated with a solution of
diisobutylaluminum hydride in toluene (11.25 mL of a
1.0 M solution; 11.25 mmol). The reaction mixture was
stirred for 3 hrs at 0°C and then quenched with 3 mL of
methanol followed by 1 N HCl until the pH was 1. The
reaction mixture was extracted into ethyl acetate" and
the organic phase was washed with water, dried and
concentrated. Purification on a silica gel column
eluting with 25% ethyl acetate in hexane furnished 0.96
g (80%) of a thick oil,H NMR (360 Mhz; CDC13) : d
3.85 (S, 3H); 3.87 (s, 6H); 4.32 (d, 2H, J = 5.6); 6.29
(dt, 1H, J = 15.8, 5.7), 6.54 (d, 1H, J = 15.8); 6.61
(s, 2H).
The invention being thus described, it will be
obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such
variations are not to be regarded as a departure from
the spirit and scope of the invention and all such
i
modification are intended to be included within the
scope of the following claims.





We Claim:
1. A small molecule inhibitors of rotamase enzyme activity of neurotrophic compound of formula 1:
(Formula Removed)

wherein
R1, is a C1-C9 straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl group optionally substituted with C3-C8 cycloalkyi, C3 or C5 cycloalkyi, C5-C7 cycloalkenyl, or Ar1, where said alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyi or cycloalkenyl groups may be optionally substituted with C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 alkenyl, or hydroxy, and where Ari, is selected from the group consisting of l-napthyl, 2-napthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl, or phenyl, having one to three substituents which are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, nitro, triflucromethyl, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, C1-C4 alkoxy or C1-C4 alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino;
X is oxygen or sulfur,
Y is oxygen or NR2, where R2 is hydrogen or C1-C6 alkyl; and
2 is a C2-C6 straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl, wherein the alkyl chain is
substituted in one or more positions with Ar1 as defined above, C3-C8, cycloalkyi,
cycloalkyi connected by a C1-C6 straight or unbranched alkyl or alkenyl chain, or Ar2
where Ar2 is selected from the group consisting of 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-
furyl, 2-thiazolyl, 2-thienyl, 3thienyl, 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl, or phenyl, having one to
three substituents which are independently selected from the group consisting of
hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C1-C6, straight or branched alkyl or
alkenyl, C1-C4 alkaxy or C1-C4 alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino; z may
also be the fragment:
(Formula Removed)

where
R3 is selected from the group consisiting of straight or branched alkyl C1-C9 optionally substituted with C3-C8 cycloalkyi, or Ar1 as defined above;
X2 is O or NR5 where R5 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl and alkenyl;
R4 is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, benzyl, C1-C5 straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl, and C1-C5 straight or branched alkyl or alkenyl substituted with phenyl; or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or hydrates thereof.
2. The small molecule inhibitors of rotamase enzyme activity as claimed in claim 1, where Z and R1 are lipophilic groups.
3. The small molecule inhibitors of rotamase enzyme activity as claimed in claim 1 that is selected from the group consisting of:
3-phenyl-l-propyl (2S)-l-(3,3-dimethyl-l, 2diaxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-phenyl-l-prop-2-(E)-enyl (2S)-1- (3,3-dimethyll,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxlate,
3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-l-propyl (2S)-l-(3,3dimethyl-l,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-l-prop-2-(E)-enyl (2S) l-(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-dioxopentyl)-2- pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(4,5-dichlorophenyl)-l-propyl (2S)-l-(3, 3dimethyl-l,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(4,5- dichlorophenyl)-l-prop-2-(E)-enyl (2S)-l(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(4,5-methylenedioxyphenyl)-l-propyl (2S)-l-(3, 3dimethyl-l,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-(4,5- methylenedioxyphenyl)l-prop-2-(E)-enyl (2S)l-(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-dioxopentyl)-2pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-cyclohexyi-l-propyl (2S)-l-(3,3- dlmethyl-l,2dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-cyclohexyl-l-prop-2- (E)-enyl (2S)-l-(3,3dimethyl-l,2-diaxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
(lR)-l,3-diphenyl-l-propyl (2S)-l-(3,3-dimethyll,2-diaxopentyl)-2-pyrraiidinecarboxylate,
(lR)-l,3-diphenyl-l-prop-2-(E)-enyl (2S)-l-(3, 3dlmethyl-l,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
(lR)-i-cyclohexyl-3- phenyl-I-zropyi (2S)-I-(3,3dimethyl-l,2-dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,

(lR)-i-cyclohexyl-3-phenyl-i-prop-2-(E)-enyl (2S) l-(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-dioxopentyl)-
2- pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
(lR)-I-(4,5-dichlorophenyl)-3-phenyl-l-propyl(2S)-l-(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-dioxopentyl)-2pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-phenyl-i- propyl (2S)-l-(l,2-dioxo-2cyclohexyl)ethyl-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3- phenyl-i-propyl (2S)-l-(l,2-dioxo-4cyclohexyl)butyl-2- pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-phenyl-i-propyl (2'S)-l-(l,2-dioxo-2-[2furanyll) ethyl-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-phenyl-i-propyl (2S)-l-(l,2-dicxo-2- [2thienyll)ethyl-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-phenyl-i-propyl (2S)-I-(1,2- dioxo-2-[2thiazolyll)ethyl-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate, 3-phenyl-i-propyl (2S)-l-(l,2-dioxo-2phenyl)ethyl-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
l,7-diphenyl-4- heptyl (2S)-l-(3,3-dimethyl-l,2dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3- Phenyl-l-propyl (2S)-l-(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-dioxo4-hydroxybutyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxylate,
3-phenyl-l-propyl (2S)-l-(3,3-dimethyl-l, 2dioxopentyl)-2-pyrrolidinecarboxamide,
l-(l-(3,3-dimethyl-l,2- dioxopentyl)-L-prolinel-L- phenylalanine ethyl ester,
l-[l-(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-dioxo-ne-,ltyl)-L- prolinel-Lleucine ethyl ester,
l-[l-(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-di-oxo-centyl)-L- prolinel-Lphenylglycine ethyl ester,
l-[l-(3,3-dimethyl-l,2-dioxo-nentyl)- L-prolinel-Lphenylalanine phenyl ester,
l-[l-(3,3-dimethyl-i,2- dioxopentyl)-L-prolinel-Lphenylalanine benzyl ester, and
l-[l-(3,3- dimethyl-l,2-dioxopentyl)-L-proline]-Lisoleucine ethyl ester.
5. A small molecule inhibitors of rotamase enzyme activity as claimed in claim 1, wherein R1 is a branched akyl group of the formula:
A small molecule inhibitors of rotamase enzyme activity of formula 1 wherein X and Y is oxygen of the formula:
(Formula Removed)



6. A pharmaceutical composition,as and when prepared by comprising
the neurotrophic compound as claimed in claims 1-5.

Documents:

2324-DEL-1996-Abstract-(03-11-2008).pdf

2324-DEL-1996-Abstract-(07-11-2008).pdf

2324-del-1996-abstract.pdf

2324-DEL-1996-Claims-(03-11-2008).pdf

2324-DEL-1996-Claims-(07-11-2008).pdf

2324-del-1996-claims.pdf

2324-del-1996-complete specification (granted).pdf

2324-DEL-1996-Correspondence-Others-(03-11-2008).pdf

2324-del-1996-correspondence-others.pdf

2324-del-1996-description (complete)-07-11-2008.pdf

2324-del-1996-description (complete).pdf

2324-DEL-1996-Drawings-(03-11-2008).pdf

2324-del-1996-drawings.pdf

2324-DEL-1996-Form-1-(03-11-2008).pdf

2324-del-1996-form-1.pdf

2324-del-1996-form-18.pdf

2324-DEL-1996-Form-2-(03-11-2008).pdf

2324-del-1996-form-2.pdf

2324-del-1996-form-29.pdf

2324-DEL-1996-Form-3-(03-11-2008).pdf

2324-del-1996-form-4.pdf

2324-del-1996-form-6.pdf

2324-DEL-1996-GPA-(03-11-2008).pdf

2324-DEL-1996-Petition-137-(03-11-2008).pdf

2324-DEL-1996-Petition-138-(03-11-2008).pdf

2324-del-1996-petition-others.pdf


Patent Number 225681
Indian Patent Application Number 2324/DEL/1996
PG Journal Number 13/2009
Publication Date 27-Mar-2009
Grant Date 20-Nov-2008
Date of Filing 25-Oct-1996
Name of Patentee GUILFORD PHARMACEUTICALS, INC
Applicant Address 6611 TRIBUTARY STREET, BALTIMORE, MD 21224, USA.
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 GREGORY S. HAMILTON 6501 FREDERICK ROAD, CATONSVILLE, MD 21228, USA
2 JOSEPH P. STEINER 988 SUGAR MAPLE STREET, HAMPSTEAD, MD 21074, USA
PCT International Classification Number A61K 31/40
PCT International Application Number N/A
PCT International Filing date
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 08/650,461 1996-05-22 U.S.A.