Multifunctional D2/D3 agonist D-520 with high in vivo efficacy: modulator of toxicity of alpha-synuclein aggregates

ACS Chem Neurosci. 2014 Aug 20;5(8):700-17. doi: 10.1021/cn500084x. Epub 2014 Jul 9.

Abstract

We have developed a series of dihydroxy compounds and related analogues based on our hybrid D2/D3 agonist molecular template to develop multifunctional drugs for symptomatic and neuroprotective treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD). The lead compound (-)-24b (D-520) exhibited high agonist potency at D2/D3 receptors and produced efficacious activity in the animal models for PD. The data from thioflavin T (ThT) assay and from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis demonstrate that D-520 is able to modulate aggregation of alpha-synuclein (αSN). Additionally, coincubation of D-520 with αSN is able to reduce toxicity of preformed aggregates of αSN compared to control αSN alone. Finally, in a neuroprotection study with dopaminergic MN9D cells, D-520 clearly demonstrated the effect of neuroprotection from toxicity of 6-hydroxydopamine. Thus, compound D-520 possesses properties characteristic of multifunctionality conducive to symptomatic and neuroprotective treatment of PD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiparkinson Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Antiparkinson Agents / pharmacology*
  • CHO Cells
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cricetulus
  • Dopamine Agonists / chemical synthesis
  • Dopamine Agonists / pharmacology*
  • Dopaminergic Neurons / drug effects
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Molecular Structure
  • Neuroprotective Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Oxidopamine
  • Parkinsonian Disorders / drug therapy
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Receptors, Dopamine D3 / agonists*
  • Reserpine
  • alpha-Synuclein / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antiparkinson Agents
  • Dopamine Agonists
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Receptors, Dopamine D3
  • alpha-Synuclein
  • Reserpine
  • Oxidopamine