Affinity labels for beta-adrenoceptors: preparation and properties of alkylating beta-blockers derived from indole.

New alkylating ligands derived from indole with high affinity for beta-adrenoceptors were synthesized and their properties examined. N8-(Bromoacetyl)-N1-[3-(4-indolyloxy)-2-hydroxypropyl]-(Z)-1,8-dia mino-p- menthane (8) and its N1,N8 isomer (9) were prepared by the reaction of bromoacetyl bromide with a product of the condensation of 4-indolyl glycidyl ether with (Z)-1,8-diamino-p-menthane. A similar reaction employing 2-cyano-4-indolyl glycidyl ether yielded the respective cyano derivatives 10 and 11. Apparent affinities (Ki, M) for beta-adrenoceptors on membrane preparations from rat heart and lung were 4.6 X 10(-10) and 1.34 X 10(-9) for 8, 2.3 X 10(-8) and 4.5 X 10(-9) for 9, 6.1 X 10(-10) and 1.49 X 10(-9) for 10, and 1.83 X 10(-9) and 2.78 X 10(-9) for 11, respectively. When membranes were preincubated with the above ligands (1 X 10(-8) M, 30 min, 30 degrees C) and then washed extensively, reduction in the concentration of specific binding sites of [3H]dihydroalprenolol ranged from 7% to 76% and there was no change in KD of the remaining binding sites. (+/-)-Alprenolol and (-)-isoproterenol, but not (+)-isoproterenol, when included with the alkylating ligands in the preincubation mixtures, prevented the reduction in concentration of [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding sites. Compounds 8-11 alone did not stimulate adenylate cyclase activity in rat heart homogenates. However, these compounds inhibited (-)-isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity with Ki values ranging between 5 X 10(-9) and 60 X 10(-9) M. These results suggest that high-affinity irreversible beta-adrenergic antagonists were obtained that may be useful for in vivo studies of beta-adrenoceptors.