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V J Hruby

Publications and source records attributed to V J Hruby.

At least 415 records · Page 23Linked to original sources
PubMed1982

Conformational comparisons of oxytocin agonists, partial agonists, and antagonists using laser Raman and circular dichroism spectroscopy. Examination of 1-penicillamine and diastereoisomeric analogues.

The biological activity of peptide hormones and analogues depends on the structural and conformational properties of these compounds. A comparative study of the conformational properties of diastereoisomeric analogues of oxytocin with weak agonist activities (fully active but low potency), partial agonist activity (only able to partially induce biological response), and of conformationally restricted 1-penicillamine analogues with potent antagonist activity (no intrinsic activity, but can block the hormone's activity) was made using circular dichroism and laser Raman spectroscopies. Conformational information regarding the peptide amide, disulfide, and tyrosine chromophores was obtained, and indicates differences in the hormone agonists and antagonists. The diastereoisomeric oxytocin analogues [1-hemi-D-cystine]-, [2-D-tyrosine]-, and [5-D-asparagine]-oxytocin, have spectral features consistent with overall backbone conformations similar to oxytocin itself, but with differences in side chain moieties. This suggests that the substantial decrease in potency of the diastereoisomeric oxytocin analogues is due to changes in the relative orientations of the side chains. In contrast, the 1-penicillamine analogues of the present study, [1-penicillamine, 4-threonine]- and [1-penicillamine, 2-phenylalanine, 4-threonine]-oxytocin, like 1-penicillamine oxytocin analogues previously examined, have different backbone and disulfide conformations than oxytocin. All the 1-penicillamine oxytocin derivatives thus far examined appear, from laser Raman and CD data, to have similar topologies. However, those of the present study seem to have more rigid conformations as evidenced by very intense amide n-pi* and tyrosine pi-pi* CD transitions.

Circular Dichroism↗
PubMed1982

Structure-conformation-activity studies of glucagon and semi-synthetic glucagon analogs.

Examination of glucagon structure-activity relationships and their use for the development of glucagon antagonists (inhibitors) have been hampered until recently by the lack of high purity of semisynthetic glucagon analogs and inadequate study of full dose-response curves for these analogs in sensitive bioassay systems. Recently a number of highly purified glucagon fragments and semi-synthetic analogs have been prepared and their full dose-response activities examined over a wide concentration range using the hepatic membrane adenylate cyclase assay, the hepatic membrane receptor binding assay, and glycogenolytic activity in isolated rat hepatocytes. The results of these studies have enabled us to identify and dissociate the structural (and in some cases conformational) features of glucagon important for binding from those most responsible for biological activity (transduction). Key findings in these studies were the observation that: (1) the C-terminal region of glucagon is primarily of importance for hormone binding to receptors; (2) glucagon 1-21 and glucagon 1-6 have low potency, but are essentially fully active glucagon derivatives; and (3) highly purified glucagon 2-29 ([1-des-histidine]-glucagon), [1-N alpha-carbamoylhistidine]-glucagon and [1-N alpha-carbamoylhistidine, 12-N alpha-carbamoyllysine]-glucagon are all partial agonists. These and other findings led us to synthesize several semisynthetic analogs of glucagon which were found to possess no intrinsic biological activity in the hepatic adenylate cyclase assay system, but which could block the effect of glucagon (competitive inhibitors) in activating adenylate cyclase in this system. Two of these highly purified analogs [1-des-histidine][2-N alpha-trinitrophenylserine, 12-homoarginine]-glucagon and [1-N alpha-trinitrophenylhistidine, 12-homoarginine]-glucagon were quite potent glucagon antagonists (inhibitors) with pA2 values of 7.41 and 8.16 respectively. The latter compound has also been demonstrated to decrease dramatically blood glucose levels of diabetic animals in vivo. These results demonstrate that glucagon is a major contributor to the hyperglycemia of diabetic animals. Examination of the known and calculated conformational properties of glucagon provide insight into the structural and conformational properties of glucagon and its analogs most responsible for its biological activity. Consideration of these features and the mechanism of glucagon action at the membrane receptor level provide a framework for further developing glucagon analogs for theoretical and therapeutic applications.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1982

Hyperglycemia of diabetic rats decreased by a glucagon receptor antagonist.

The glucagon analog [l-N alpha-trinitrophenylhistidine, 12-homoarginine]-glucagon (THG) was examined for its ability to lower blood glucose concentrations in rats made diabetic with streptozotocin. In vitro, THG is a potent antagonist of glucagon activation of the hepatic adenylate cyclase assay system. Intravenous bolus injections of THG caused rapid decreases (20 to 35 percent) of short duration in blood glucose. Continuous infusion of low concentrations of the inhibitor led to larger sustained decreases in blood glucose (30 to 65 percent). These studies demonstrate that a glucagon receptor antagonist can substantially reduce blood glucose levels in diabetic animals without addition of exogenous insulin.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

[half-Cys4,half-Cys10]-alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone: a cyclic alpha-melanotropin exhibiting superagonist biological activity.

alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-melanotropin; alpha-MSH) is a linear tridecapeptide (Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Met-Glu-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2) that reversibly darkens amphibian skins by stimulating melanomsome (pigment granule) dispersion within melanophores. By using a number of in vitro melanocyte assays, we have examined the conformational requirements for alpha-MSH activity. Synthesis of [half-Cys4,half-Cys10]-alpha-MSH, a cyclic, conformationally restricted, "isosteric" analogue of alpha-MSH, provided a melanotropin with a potency greater than 10,000 times that of the native hormone in stimulating frog (Rana pipiens) skin darkening. The cyclic analogue also showed substantially prolonged activity relative to the native hormone. [half-Cys4,half-Cys10]-alpha-MSH was approximately 30 times more potent than alpha-MSH in stimulating lizard (Anolis carolinensis) skin melanophores in vitro. By using a cell-free Cloudman S-91 mouse melanoma plasma membrane preparation, we found the cyclic analogue to be approximately 3 times as potent as the native hormone in stimulating adenylate cyclase activity. These results provide insight into the conformational requirements for biological activity of alpha-MSH, and the comparative conformational requirements of alpha-MSH at a number of pigment cell receptors.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1982

Antioxytocic and antiprostaglandin-releasing effects of oxytocin antagonists in pregnant rats and pregnant human myometrial strips.

There is now increasing evidence that both oxytocin (OT) and prostaglandin (PG) play a role in term as well as preterm labor. OT stimulates myometrial contractions and uterine PG release. Specific OT antagonists, therefore, may be of value in the treatment of preterm labor. Recently, we have synthesized two highly potent OT antagonists, [1-penicillamine, 4-threonine]OT ([Pen1, Thr4]OT) and [1-penicillamine, 2-phenylalanine, 4-threonine]OT ([Pen1, Phe2, Thr4]OT). We have determined their antioxytocic activity in 21- to 22-day-pregnant rats and on isolated human myometrial strips obtained from term pregnant patients at caesarean section for childbirth. We also studied their effects on PG synthesis and OT-stimulated PG synthesis on uterine slices from pregnant rats. We found that the two OT antagonists were effective inhibitors of the OT responses in pregnant rats and on pregnant human myometrial strips. The two OT antagonists had no agonistic activity on PG release at a dose range that was antioxytocic. When administered together with OT, the PG-releasing action of OT was inhibited. Thus, [Pen1, Thr4]OT and [Pen1, Phe2, Thr4]OT are effective inhibitors of both the uterotonic and PG-releasing actions of OT. The potentials of OT antagonists as tocolytic agents for the treatment of preterm labor should be explored.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Calcium-dependent prolonged effects on melanophores of [4-norleucine, 7-D-phenylalanine]-alpha-melanotropin.

A single injection of the melanotropin analog [4-norleucine, 7-D-phenylalanine]-alpha-melanotropin into frogs (Rana pipiens) caused near maximum darkening of the skins of the frogs for at least 6 weeks. Injections of the natural hormone alpha-melanotropin or of the analog [Nle4]-alpha-melanotropin also caused darkening, but this effect lasted only a few days. Morphological examination of the skins of frogs injected with [Nle4, D-Phe7]-alpha-melanotropin revealed that both dermal and epidermal melanophores were dispersed during the entire 6-week period. In vitro [Nle4, D-Phe7]-alpha-melanotropin also causes prolonged darkening of the skin of the lizard Anolis carolinensis. In the absence of the melanotropin, skins previously darkened with the analog could be lightened by removal of calcium from the incubation medium but could then be redarkened by adding calcium. The cycle could be repeated indefinitely without addition of melanotropin. These results demonstrate the role of calcium in receptor signal transduction and the prolonged biological effects of [Nle4, D-Phe7]-alpha-melanotropin long after its removal from the assay medium.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Glucagon structure-function relationships using isolated rat hepatocytes.

The ability of glucagon and several of its semi-synthetic analogues to stimulate glucose production in isolated rat hepatocytes was measured and compared for relative potencies. The order of decreasing biological activities of glucagon in this assay was as follows: glucagon greater than [HArg12]-glucagon greater than [des-Asn28, Thr29][homoserinehydrazide27]-glucagon approx. equal to [des-His1]-glucagon greater than [des-Asn28, Thr29][homoserinelactone27]-glucagon greater than [des-Asn28, Thr29]-[n-butylhomoserineamide27]-glucagon greater than glucagon1-21. Qualitatively, these results are similar to those obtained previously in the hepatic plasma membrane adenylate cyclase assay. Minor exceptions were noted for the hydrazide derivative and the partial agonist [des-His1]-glucagon, both of which were slightly more potent relative to glucagon in the glycogenolytic assay than in the adenylate cyclase assay. The assay provides important insight into glucagon structure-function relationships.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1981

Conformational study of the potent peptide hormone antagonist [1-penicillamine,2-leucine]oxytocin in aqueous solution.

[1-Penicillamine,2-leucine]oxytocin is a conformationally restricted analogue of oxytoxin in which the half-cystine-1 and tyrosine-2 residues of the native hormone are replaced by half-penicillamine (beta, beta-dimethyl-half-cystine) and leucine, respectively. This analogue is a surprisingly potent oxytocin antagonist [Hruby, V. J., Deb, K. K., Yamamoto, D. M., Hadley, M. E., & Chan, W. Y. (1979) J. Med. Chem. 22,7]. Extensive proton magnetic resonance experiments were performed to determine the conformational properties of this analogue in aqueous solution, and the results were compared with the previously published model for the conformation of [1-penicillamine]oxytocin. The results are consistent with a conformation similar to that of [1-penicillamine]oxytocin except that, while [1-penicillamine]oxytocin in aqueous solution possesses two 1 comes from 3 (C7) type turns involving the isoleucine-3 peptide amide proton and the half-penicillamine-1 carbonyl and the asparagine-5 peptide amide proton and the isoleucine-3 carbonyl, [1-penicillamine,2-leucine)oxytocin has only the latter 1 comes from 3 turn. This difference between the antagonists is reflected in the different phi and psi angles in the three N-terminal residues of the two inhibitor analogues and in differences in the preferred side-chain conformations for several residues. One particular result of these conformational differences is that, whereas for [1-penicillamine]oxytocin the tyrosine-2 side chain is unable to assume the rotamer for maximal binding to the uterine receptor, [1-penicillamine,2-leucine]oxytoxin retains conformational and dynamic properties at residues two and three which are more similar to those of oxytocin. It is postulated that these conformational and dynamic properties are consistent with the stronger binding and, hence, greater antagonist activity for this penicillamine analogue relative to [1-penicillamine]oxytocin.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1981

Biological actions of melanocyte-stimulating hormone.

Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-melanotropin, MSH) may function in a number of diverse physiological roles. MSH stimulates (1) rapid translocation of melanosomes (melanin granules) in dermal melanophores to effect rapid colour change and (2) melanogenesis in normal and abnormal (melanoma) epidermal melanocytes. Both actions involve (1) initial binding of the peptide on the melanocyte membrane, (2) transduction of signal to adenylate cyclase, and (3) increased cytosolic levels of cyclic AMP. Efforts to prepare radioiodinated MSH and analogues for radioreceptor studies using melanoma membranes and intact cells reveal that conventional iodination procedures inactivate the hormone because of oxidative and iodination effects on specific structural components of the peptide. These effects can be circumvented by the use of synthetically tailored MSH analogues. Transduction of signal from receptor to adenylate cyclase requires calcium, but prostaglandin or beta-adrenoceptor stimulation of melanophores does not. The nucleotide and metal ion requirements for mouse melanoma adenylate cyclase activity have been characterized. There is both a transcriptional and translational requirement for MSH stimulation of tyrosinase activity and melanin production in melanoma cells. Melanosome translocation within melanophores is enhanced in the absence of extracellular calcium. A model for the MSH control of melanosome movements suggests a bifunctional, but compartmentalized, role for calcium in the action of MSH.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1981

H N.M.R. study of the conformation of [Glu4] oxytocin and its lanthanide complexes in aqueous solution.

At 400 MHz the 1H chemical shifts, peptide NH-C alpha H coupling constants (JN alpha) and peptide hydrogen exchange rates of [Glu4] oxytocin in aqueous solution closely resemble those previously reported for oxytocin under comparable conditions, indicating that both the parent hormone and its analogue have similar conformations in this solvent. The hydrogen exchange data suggest a dynamic equilibrium between conformation(s) in which the peptide NH's of Asn5 and Cys6 are internally hydrogen bonded and conformation(s) in which these hydrogens are bonded to the solvent. [Glu4] oxytocin forms 1:1 complexes with lanthanide metal ions. The diamagnetic La3+ complex exhibits values of JN alpha very similar to those of the metal free hormone analogue, suggesting that coordination of the metal is accompanied by minimal perturbation of the peptide backbone. Specific average proton-metal distances estimated from Gd3+ induced paramagnetic relaxation effects indicate that the metal is probably coordinated to the Glu4 carboxyl group and the sidechain carbonyl of Asn5. Limiting shifts induced by binding of paramagnetic Yb3+ are also reported.

Hydrogen Bonding↗
PubMed1981

Racemization effects on melanocyte-stimulating hormones and related peptides.

Heat-alkali treatment of synthetic alpha- and beta-melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSH), known to cause racemization of amino acids within the peptides, results in prolongation of the darkening (melanophore dispersion) effect of these hormones on frog and lizard skins in vitro. Skins remain darkened for hours or even days if supramaximal concentrations of the racemized hormones are used. This response can be partially reversed by melatonin or noradrenaline. Heat-alkali treatment of alpha-MSH at either 60 or 97 degrees C results in a retardation of the response of the skins to the racemized peptides. In contrast, the response of frog skins to heat-alkali-treated beta-MSH is immediately enhanced and potentiated. Heat-alkali treatment also prolongs and potentiates the activity of synthetic [des-acetyl]-alpha-MSH (in contrast to the retardation effect on the natural acetylated peptide). These data suggest a role for the N-acetyl group in the retardation phenomenon. The activity of synthetic [2-D-tyrosine]-alpha-MSh is much lower than that of alpha-MSH itself, indicating that heat-alkali treatment of the hormone may produce either potentiation or partial inactivation of the peptide, depending on the site of racemization.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

Glucagon amino groups. Evaluation of modifications leading to antagonism and agonism.

Using native glucagon and [12-homoarginine]glucagon (analogue A), prepared in high yield and purity by new procedures, we have synthesized the following glucagon analogues by semisynthetic methods: [1-deshistidine][12-homoarginine]glucagon (analogue B); N alpha-carbamoylglucagon (analogue C); N alpha, N epsilon-dicarbamoylglucagon (analogue D); [1-N alpha-carbamoylhistidine, 12-N epsilon-trinitrophenyllsyine]glucagon (analogue II); [1-deshistidine] [2-N alpha-trinitrophenylserine, 12-homoarginine]glucagon (analogue III); and [1-N alpha-trinitrophenylhistidine, 12-homoarginine]glucagon (analogue IV). The introduction of hydrophylic groups at the alpha- and epsilon-amino positions of glucagon results in a reduction in potency. The alpha-position is also involved in biological activity. Carbamylation of the alpha-position results in a partial agonist (analogues C and D). The introduction of hydrophobic groups and the neutralization of the positive charge at the alpha- and epsilon-amino positions result in glucagon antagonists (analogues II, III, and IV). [1-N alpha-Trinitrophenylhistidine, 12-homoarginine]glucagon (analogue IV) is the most potent inhibitor tested. Based on its competitive inhibitory action, this analogue appears to have about one-third the affinity of glucagon for the receptor site. These modifications at the epsilon-amino position cause an increase in the secondary structure of the peptide (as shown by circular dichroism studies) which may be related to their biological activities.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1980

Preparation and properties of glucagon analogs prepared by semi-synthesis from CNBr-glucagon.

The semi-synthetic approach has been used to obtain new analogs of the peptide hormone glucagon. Using the highly purified 27 amino acid fragment of cyanogen bromide-treated glucagon, we have prepared, by nucleophilic addition to the lactone ring, the following derivatives: CNBr-Gly28-glucagon, CNBr-glucagon hydrazide, CNBr-glucagon n-butylamide and CNBr-glucagon biotinamide. Direct aminolysis of the lactone was successful only with sterically unhindered primary amines. Addition of an amino acid could be accomplished by formation of the peptide hydrazide followed by azide coupling. All these analogs were full agonists with decreased potency relative to the native hormone. Examination of the structure-function relationships of these new C-terminal glucagon derivatives suggests that the hydrophobic side-chain of methionine is important to the binding of glucagon to its receptor and that the C-terminal portion of glucagon is only involved in the binding of the hormone to the receptor and not in the transduction process.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗