Nicotinic agonist

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

A nicotinic agonist is a drug that mimics the action of

nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
(nAChRs). The nAChR is named for its affinity for nicotine.

Examples include

History

Chemical structure of ABT-418

Nicotine has been known for centuries for its intoxicating effect. It was first isolated in 1828 from the tobacco plant by German chemists Posselt and Reimann.[2]

The discovery of positive effects from nicotine on animal memory was discovered by in vivo researches in the mid 1980s. Those researches led to a new era in studies of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) and their stimulation but until then the focus had mainly been on nicotine addiction.[3][4] The development of nAChR agonists began in the early 1990s after the discovery of nicotine's positive effects. Some research showed a possible therapy option in preclinical researches. ABT-418 was one of the first in a series of nAChR agonists and it was designed by Abbott Labs.[4] ABT-418 showed significant increase of delayed matching-to-sample (DMTS) performance in matured macaque apes of different species and sex.[5] ABT-418 has also been examined as a possible treatment to Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: those experiments showed positive outcomes.[4]

One of the first nAChR active compounds, besides nicotine, that was marketed as a drug was galantamine, a plant alkaloid that works as a weak cholinesterase inhibitor (IC50=5µM) as well as an allosteric sensitizer for nAChRs (EC50=50 nM).[6]

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and their signaling system

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor classification

Signaling system

In the human

muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, neuronal and muscular nAChRs. When looking back at evolutionary history, ACh is considered to be the oldest transmitter molecule and became present before the nervous cell. In the nervous system cholinergic stimulation mediated through nAChRs controls pathways such as release of transmitters and cell sensitivity, which can influence physiological activity including sleep, anxiety, processing of pain and cognitive functions.[8]

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

nAChRs are

quaternary structure of the receptor, those subunits are α subunits (α1−α10), β subunits (β1−β4), one δ subunits, one γ subunit and one ε subunit. nAChRs can be either heteromeric or homomeric. The heteromeric receptors found in the central nervous system are made up by two α subunits and three β subunits with the binding site at the interface of α and the adjacent subunit. These receptors contain two binding sites per receptor and have different affinity for chemicals based on the composition of subunits. Both binding sites work together and thus, both sites need to be occupied with a nAChR agonist so that channel activation can take place.[9] nAChRs containing α2−α6 and β2−β4 subunits have been shown to have higher affinity for ACh than other receptors. Homomeric receptors contain 5 identical subunits, they have 5 binding sites located at the interface between two adjacent subunits. In the year 2000 two homomeric receptors had been identified in humans, the α7 and α8 receptors.[8][10][11][12]

Binding site

There are two binding sites on heteromeric nAChRs; to stabilize the open form of nAChRs, both binding sites must be occupied by agonist, such as nicotine or ACh.[11]
The ACh binding site of nAChR is made up by six loops, termed A–F. The A, B and C loops of the binding site are part of the α subunit and are the principal components of the binding site. The adjacent subunit to the α subunit (γ, δ, ε or β) contains the D, E and F loops.[11]

Mechanism of action

Two different subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

α4β2 receptor agonists

α4β2 nAChRs contain two α4 subunits and three β2 subunits, therefore it has two binding sites for ACh and other

agonists. α4β2 nAChRs account for approximately 90% of the nAChRs in the human brain and when chronically exposed to nicotine or other nicotine agonists leads to increase in density of α4β2 receptors which is the opposite of what usually happens when other receptors are chronically exposed to their agonists. The α4β2 receptor has been widely studied in regards to Alzheimer's disease as well as for nicotine dependence and in 2009 several drugs are on the market that target the α4β2 nAChR specifically.[13][14]

α7 receptor agonists

α7 receptors are homomeric neuronal acetylcholine receptors consisting of five α7 subunits and has five ACh binding sites. Abnormality in the α7 receptors expression have been reported to influence progression of diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and

alpha bungarotoxin which is a nicotinic antagonist found in venom of some snakes. Targeting of α7 receptors is therefore thought to be useful in treatment of Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.[9][15]

Muscle type receptor agonists

nAChR are found in the neuromuscular junction on skeletal muscles. Two different receptors have been found, one of which has primarily been found in adults contains two α1 subunits, one β1, one ε and one δ, the other one has been found in fetuses and contains γ subunit instead of the ε subunit. The nAChRs take part in the depolarization of the muscular endplate by increasing cation permeability leading to contraction of skeletal muscles.[16] The nAChRs found in the skeletal muscle system have two ACh binding sites, one of which is found at the interface between α1 and δ subunits while the other one is found at the interface between α1 and γ or ε subunits. Among nAChR antagonists designed specifically for the neuromuscular system are nerve gases and other poisons designed to quickly kill humans or other animals and insects.[12]

Binding

ACh binds to nAChR because of charge difference between the molecule and the surface of the receptor. When binding to nAChR ACh fits into a binding pocket shaped by loops A, B and C which belong to α subunit and the adjacent subunit. When ACh is fitted into the binding pocket the loops of the nAChR undergo movement that leads to a coordination of the ACh molecule in the pocket enhancing the chemical bonds between the molecule and the receptor. After movement of the loops that belong to α subunit it's sometimes possible for the ACh molecule to form a bond, e.g. salt bridge, to the adjacent subunit enhancing the bonds between the receptor and ACh even further.[17]

Drug design

Drugs that influence nAChRs can be agonists, partial agonists or antagonists.[1] Agonists, e.g. nicotine, can however act as depolarizing agents when encountered to nAChRs for some time (seconds or minutes, depending on concentration and nAChR subtype), chronic exposure to agonist can also lead to long lasting functional deactivation because of rapid and persistent desensitization. Partial nAChR agonists have been studied since they seem to be helpful in smoking cessation. The partial agonists are believed to bind to the nAChRs and stimulate the release of dopamine in smaller portions than the agonists and therefore compensate for the absence of nicotine.[18]
The lack of specificity among some of the nicotinic agonists is well known and is a potential problem when using them to treat illnesses that require targeting a specific subtype of nAChRs. Among these nonspecific agonists are for example ACh, nicotine and epibatidine that all target more than one subtype of nAChRs.[19][20]

Pharmacophore

Chemical structure of nicotine

The development of nAChR agonist

electronic density close to the protonated nitrogen and higher electron density close to the pyridine ring is favored in protonated nicotine ligands containing pyridine ring. In later years researchers have taken more interest in the α7 and α4β2 subtype receptors in drug development to treat nicotine dependence and cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer's.[21]

Structure-activity relationships

Structure-activity relationships: Muscle nAChR agonists

Various models have been run where the affinity of nAChR agonists to the receptor subtype are tested to help identify the molecules, groups and steric conformation that are vital to greater affinity. By using a nAChR muscle receptor subtype (α1)2β1δγ model the following results were obtained:

,

where anatoxin had the highest activity efficacy and tubocurare the lowest. Acetylcholine on the other hand induced a much longer opening time of the receptor though anatoxin is more potent. The results suggest that anatoxin derivatives would be helpful in understanding structure-activity relationships (SAR) for muscle nAChRs.[22]

Succinylcholine chloride, which is a drug that's already on the market, is a bischoline ester and a short acting muscle relaxant. Bischoline esters are compounds that can act as a competitive agonist on muscle type nAChRs and have been used in SAR studies. In a Torpedo (α1)2β1δγ nAChR model it was demonstrated that the potency of bischoline ester agonists is dependent on the chain length as potency increases with longer chains. Efficacy seems to be independent of chain length since the highest efficacy is seen in bischoline esters with four to seven CH
2
units
and is lower for both fewer CH
2
units and more.[23]

Structure-activity relationships: α4β2 nAChR agonists

Pyridin cyclopropan derivatives

Combination of structural elements of ACh and nicotine as well as reducing the conformational flexibility by using a cyclopropane ring has led to the discovery of potent and selective α4β2 nAChR ligands. The modulation of three structural elements, the linker, substitution on the amino group and the pyridine ring can be used to determine the influence on potency and selectivity of the ligands. Factors that decrease the binding are steric hindrance on the amino group and linkers that are saturated/unsaturated carbon chains. Short-chained ether linkers are preferred. Beneficial effects on the binding is seen with substitution on the pyridine ring both mono- and disubstitution with halogens among other groups. Substitution on the amino group with three different amides increased the binding affinity where methylamide had the highest binding. Lower binding in the other substituted amides was explained by steric hindrance or lack of a methyl group resulting in loss of hydrophobic interaction. Stereochemistry of pyridine nitrogen and/or the pyridine ring and its stereoelectronic effects has a subtle beneficial effect on the binding to the α4β2 nAChR. Thus it was shown that a pyridyl ether ligand with bromo substitution on the pyridine and metylatedamide on the amino group had the highest potency.[24]

Structure-activity relationships: α7 nAChR agonists

SEN12333/WAY-317538
Structure activity relationship model for α7 agonists

The search for selective and potent α7 nAChR agonists has produced a series of compounds that have good potential as drug candidates. One such search produced

aryl group shows more potency than a monoaryl group as the aromatic moiety and substitution at position 2 on the later aryl group will further increase the potency. Potency is higher for agonists with H+ donor/acceptor on the later aryl group on the biaryl group. A high number of hydrogen bond acceptors could decrease permeability across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) due to the polar surface area and needs to be taken into account when designing agonists to target α7 nAChRs.[15]

Various cyclic amine groups can act as the basic moiety and potency stays relatively unchanged for example aryl piperazine, piperidine and morpholine. An acyclic tertiary amine is tolerated as the basic moiety but larger steric groups are less tolerated.[15]

Many derivatives of quinuclidine such as quinuclidine amide are known to be α7 nAChR agonists. SAR studies for quinuclidine amide have identified factors that are affecting the potency and affinity of these agonists. Para substitution on the quinuclidine ring and the 3-(R) configuration in the stereochemistry is favored. Enhanced activity is observed when a 5 membered ring is fused to aromatic moiety. Further enhancement is seen when the fused ring is able to supply electron resonance to the amide carbonyl whereas the activity will diminish when the fused ring contains a hydrogen bond donating atom. The rigidity of quinuclidine and the orthogonal orientation of the nitrogen bridge in relations to the amide carbonyl group is presumed important for the optimal binding. The stability of some of the more potent quinuclidine amide derivatives in rat in vitro models have been low however by adding a methyl group to position 2 on the quinuclidine ring the stability has increased greatly.[25]

Drug development

The development of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists began in the early 1990s after the discovery of nicotine's positive effects on animal memory.

cations.[9]

In 2009 there were at least five drugs on the market that affect the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

Quinuclidine derivatives
Quinuclidine carbamates Quinuclidine amides Quinuclidine ethers

Products of nicotinic agonist

Active ingredient Product name Chemical name Pharmaceutical form Pharmacodynamic properties Therapeutic use Structure
Varenicline tartrate Champix, Chantix 7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-6,10-methano-6H-pyrazino[2,3-h][3]benzazepine[27] Film coated tablet Partial agonist of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, subtype α4β2[28] Treatment of tobacco dependence[28]
Galantamine hydrobromide Reminyl, Nivalin, Razadyne and Razadyn ER 4a,5,9,10,11,12-hexahydro-3-methoxy-11-methyl-6H-benzofuro[3a,3,2-ef][2]-benzazepin-6-ol[29] Sustained release capsule, film coated tablet, oral solution Cholinesterase inhibitor and a noncompetitive agonist of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor[4] Treatment of dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease[30]
Nicotine Nicorette, Nicotinell, Niquitin, Boots NicAssist, Commit, Habitrol, Nicoderm CQ, Nicotrol, Thrive 3-[(2S)-1-methylpyrrolidine-2-yl]pyridine Transdermal patch, gum, inhaler, nasal spray, lozenge, microtab, and is naturally found in tobacco Agonist of the nicotinic receptor,
α4β2[32]
Treatment of tobacco dependence[33]
Carbachol Miostat 2-[(aminocarbonyl)oxy]-N,N,N-trimethylethanaminium Intraocular solution Cholinergic agonist[34] Treatment of glaucoma
Suxamethonium chloride (Succinylcholine chloride) Anectine, Quelicin Suxamethonium Chloride 2,2'-[(1,4-dioxobutane-1,4-diyl)bis(oxy)]bis(N,N,N-trimethylethanaminium) Intravenous or intramuscular injection Depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent[35] Short acting muscle relaxant[36]
Epibatidine Not listed 2-(6-chloropyridin-3-yl)-7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane Not listed Agonist of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor[37] Not used as a drug

Other nicotinic agonists, albeit generally with limited clinical use, include:

Nicotinic versus muscarinic activity

Comparison of cholinergic agonists[38]
Substance Receptor specificity Hydrolysis by
acetylcholinesterase
Comments
Muscarinic Nicotinic
Choline +++ +++ ++ Essential nutrient
Acetylcholine +++ +++ +++ Endogenous ligand
Carbachol ++ +++ - Used in the treatment of glaucoma
Methacholine +++ + ++
Bethanechol +++ - - Used in bladder and
gastrointestinal hypotonia.
Muscarine +++ - - Natural alkaloid found in certain mushrooms. Cause of mushroom poisoning
Nicotine - +++ - Natural alkaloid found in the
tobacco plant
.
Pilocarpine ++ - - Used in glaucoma
Oxotremorine ++ - -

Current status

Currently nicotine receptor agonist research and drug designing is aimed for treatment of multiple diseases and disorders of the CNS.[39]

Targacept has three drug candidates that are in

cognitive dysfunctions
in schizophrenia.

Memory pharmaceuticals with its partner

Roche has one drug candidate, MEM 3454 (RG3487), a partial agonist of the nicotinic α7 receptor, for Alzheimer's disease.[40][41]

Abbott Laboratories in partnership with NeuroSearch have two drug candidates in clinical trials, ABT-894, a selective α4β2 nicotine receptor agonist, for ADHD and ABT-560, a neuronal nicotinic receptor modulator, which was selected by Abbott in 2006 as a new development candidate for cognitive dysfunctions.[42]

EnVivo pharmaceuticals has one drug candidate in clinical trials, EVP-6124, a selective α7 nicotine receptor agonist for Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia and one follow-up compound, EVP-4473, that has successfully completed

pre-clinical development.[43]

See also

References

  1. ^ .
  2. ^
  3. ^
  4. ^
  5. ^
  6. ]
  7. ^
  8. ^ ]
  9. ^
  10. .
  11. ^ http://www.envivopharma.com - Nicotinic Alpha7 Acetylcholine Receptor Agonist Program Archived 2010-01-07 at the Wayback Machine
  12. ^
    S2CID 53267460
  13. ^ a b "CHAMPIX 0.5 mg film-coated tablets; CHAMPIX 1 mg film-coated tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (eMC)". emc.medicines.org.uk. Archived from the original on 2012-12-24.
  14. PMID 10606746
  15. ^ "Reminyl XL 8mg, 16mg and 24mg prolonged release capsules - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (eMC)". emc.medicines.org.uk. Archived from the original on 2012-12-24.
  16. S2CID 12960054
  17. ^ Page 149
  18. ^ http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2004/16968s022lbl.pdf[bare URL PDF]
  19. ProQuest 215095660
  20. ^ "Anectine Injection - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (eMC)". emc.medicines.org.uk. Archived from the original on 2012-12-24.
  21. PMID 15050621
  22. .
  23. ^ "Roche - Pharmaceuticals Pipeline". Archived from the original on 2009-12-25. Retrieved 2009-12-21.
  24. ^ "Memory Pharmaceuticals Achieves Enrollment Goal For Phase 2 Study Of MEM 3454 In Cognitive Impairment Associated With Schizophrenia".
  25. ^ "Drug Development". Archived from the original on 2006-10-03. Retrieved 2009-12-21.
  26. ^ "Programs - EnVivo". Archived from the original on 2009-08-06. Retrieved 2009-12-21.

External links

Media related to Nicotinic agonists at Wikimedia Commons