Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is an integral component of cellular signaling during mitogenesis and differentiation of mitotic cells. Recently MAPK activation in post-mitotic cells has been implicated in hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), a potential cellular mechanism of learning and memory. Here we investigate the involvement of MAPK in learning and memory in behaving animals. MAPK activation increased in the rat hippocampus after an associative learning task, contextual fear conditioning. Two other protein kinases known to be activated during hippocampal LTP, protein kinase C and alpha-calcium/calmodulin protein kinase II, also were activated in the hippocampus after learning. Inhibition of the specific upstream activator of MAPK, MAPK kinase (MEK), blocked fear conditioning. Thus, classical conditioning in mammals activates MAPK, which is necessary for consolidation of the resultant learning.

The synthesis, biological evaluation, and structure-activity relationships of a series of 1-naphthols bearing carbon substituents at the 2-position are described. These compounds are potent inhibitors of the 5-lipoxygenase from RBL-1 cells and also inhibit bovine seminal vesicle cyclooxygenase. Structure-activity relationships for these two enzymes are different, implying specific enzyme inhibition rather than a nonspecific antioxidant effect. 2-(Aryl-methyl)-1-naphthols are among the most potent 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors reported (IC50 values generally 0.01-0.2 microM) and show excellent antiinflammatory potency in the mouse arachidonic acid ear edema model. To study the effects of structure on in vitro and in vivo activity, four general features of the molecules were varied: the 2-substituent, the 1-hydroxyl group, substitution on the naphthalene rings, and the 1,2-disubstituted naphthalene unit itself. 2-Benzyl-1-naphthol (5a, DuP 654) shows a very attractive profile of topical antiinflammatory activity and is currently in clinical trials as a topically applied antipsoriatic agent.

A new series of indazole-containing alpha(v)beta(3) integrin antagonists is described. Starting with lead compound 18a, variations in a number of structural features were explored with respect to inhibition of the binding of beta(3)-transfected 293 cells to fibrinogen and to selectivity for alpha(v)beta(3) over GPIIbIIIa, another RGD-binding integrin. Indazoles attached to a 2-aminopyridine or 2-aminoimidazole by a propylene linker at the indazole 1-position and to a diaminopropionate derivative via a 5-carboxylate amide provided the best potency with moderate selectivity. Several differences in the SAR of the diaminopropionate moiety were observed between this series and a series of isoxazoline-based selective GPIIbIIIa antagonists. Compound 34a (SM256) was a potent antagonist of alpha(v)beta(3) (IC(50) 2.3 nM) with 9-fold selectivity over GPIIbIIIa.