Nonpeptide antagonists for kinin receptors.

Kinins are a family of small peptides acting as mediators of inflammation and pain in the peripheral and central nervous system. The two main 'kinins' in mammals are the nonapeptide bradykinin (BK, Arg1-Pro2-Pro3-Gly4-Phe5-Ser6-Pro7-Phe8-Arg9) and the decapeptide kallidin (KD, [Lys0]-BK, Lys1-Arg2-Pro3-Pro4-Gly5-Phe6-Ser7-Pro8-Phe9- Arg10). Their biological actions are mediated by two distinct receptors, termed B1 and B2. Kinin B and B2 receptor antagonists may be useful drugs endowed with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, with potential use in asthma, allergic rhinitis and other diseases. The first nonpeptide kinin B2 receptor antagonist, WIN 64338, was reported in 1993. Despite its low selectivity, the compound provided a reference for pharmacological and modeling studies. Several quinoline and imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives have been shown by Fujisawa to possess high affinity and selectivity for kinin B2 receptors. Among them, FR 173657 displayed excellent in vitro and in vivo antagonistic activity, while FR 190997 emerged as the first nonpeptide agonist for B2 receptor. Two structurally related Fournier compounds were recently published. Other kinin B2 receptor ligands were obtained by rational design, through library screening or from natural sources. The only example of a nonpeptide kinin B1 receptor ligand has been reported in a patent by Sanofi.