Method for identifying maxi-k channel blockers for use in lowering elevated intraocular pressure using hek-293 cells

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for identifying maxi-K channel blockers comprising using HEK-293 cells that have been stably transfected with both alpha and beta 1 subunits of the maxi-K channel and incubated with potassium channel blockers that selectively eliminate the endogenous conductances of the HEK-293 cells. Maxi-K channels are important for controlling a number of physiological processes. They play a role in the regulation of aqueous humor dynamics in the eye. Maxi-K channel blockers are known to reduce intraocular pressure.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Maxi-K channels are important for controlling a number of physiological processes. They play a role in the regulation of aqueous humor dynamics in the eye.

[0002] Topical or intracamaral application of maxi-K channel inhibitors cause the lowering of intraocular pressure (IOP). This effect of maxi-K channel blockers could be a consequence of either blocking channels in the non-pigmented ciliary epithelium to diminish aqueous humor inflow, or blocking channels in the ciliary muscle to facilitate aqueous humor outflow, or from both effects occurring simultaneously.

[0003] Potassium channel antagonists are useful for a number of physiological disorders in mammals, including humans. Ion channels, including potassium channels, are found in all mammalian cells and are involved in the modulation of various physiological processes and normal cellular homeostasis. Potassium channels generally control the resting membrane potential, and the efflux of potassium ions causes repolarization of the plasma membrane after cell depolarization. Potassium channel antagonists prevent repolarization and enable the cell to stay in the depolarized, excited state

[0004] Diseases having a particular association with such channels include depression, Alzheimer's, dementia, memory loss, ocular hypertension, macular edema, macular degeneration and glaucoma, to name a few. See for example, Lymphocyte Ion Channels as a Target for Immunosuppression” G. J. Kaczorowski and G. C. Koo Perspectives in Drug Discovery and Design 2, (1994) 233-248.

[0005] There are a number of different potassium channel subtypes. Physiologically, one of the most important potassium channel subtypes is the Maxi-K channel, which is present in neuronal and endocrine tissue, smooth muscle and epithelial tissue. Intracellular calcium concentration (Ca2+i) and membrane potential gate these channels. For example, Maxi-K channels are opened to enable efflux of potassium ions by an increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration or by membrane depolarization (change in potential).

[0006] The currently available maxi-K channel blockers, however, do not display the appropriate solubility properties that are expected of a development candidate for topical eye application. In order to discover novel maxi-K channel blockers, a robust and reliable functional assay is required. High throughput screening assays with ion channels have been developed (see Aurora Biosciences J. E. Gonzalez et al., DDT, 4, 431-439, 1999). For example, transient transfection of maxi-K channel alpha and beta1 subunits into TsA-201 cells leads to the maxi-K channel controlling the membrane potential of those cells, under appropriate experimental conditions. However, transient transfection experiments are limited because, typically, the transfection has to occur for every experiment, the cells are only available for assay twice a week and results can be variable depending on the transfection efficiency. This invention relates to a new functional assay, which utilizes HEK-293 cells, which once transfected remains as such, thereby eliminating the need for further transfection. The claimed method also provides more reliable reading of the maxi-K channel activity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] This invention relates to a method for identifying maxi-K channel blockers, which are useful for lowering IOP, comprising using HEK-293 cells stably transfected with alpha and beta 1 subunits of the maxi-K channel.

[0008] This invention relates to a method for identifying maxi-K channel blockers, which are useful for lowering IOP, using HEK-293 cells, comprising the steps of:

[0009] (a) constructing stable HEK-293 cell lines expressing both alpha and beta 1 subunits of the maxi-K channel;

[0010] (b) incubating the HEK-293 cells with an inhibitor of endogenous potassium conductance of HEK-293 cells;

[0011] (c) loading the incubated HEK-293 cells with a test compound and incubating; and

[0012] (d) measuring the maxi-K channel blocker activity of the test compound using a voltage/ion probe reader (VIPR) instrument and FRET based membrane potential sensing dyes to monitor membrane potential.

[0013] This and other aspects of the invention are realized upon inspection of the specification as a whole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0014] FIG. 1 shows the effect of high-potassium addition to HEK-293 cells.

[0015] FIG. 2 shows the effect of the potassium channel blockers Compound A and Compound B on maxi-K channel activity using maxi-K channels transiently expressed in TsA-201 cells.

[0016] FIG. 3 shows the effect of the potassium channel blocker Compound A on maxi-K channel activity using HEK-293 cells stably transfected with both alpha and beta-1 subunits of the maxi-K channel.

[0017] FIG. 4 shows representative fluorescence traces obtained in the VIPR instrument with HEK-293 cells stably transfected with both alpha and beta 1 subunits of the maxi-K channel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] This invention relates to a method for identifying maxi-K channel blockers, which are useful for lowering IOP, using HEK-293 cells stably transfected with alpha and beta 1 subunits of the maxi-K channel, comprising the steps of:

[0019] (a) constructing stable HEK-293 cell lines expressing both alpha and beta 1 subunits of the maxi-K channel;

[0020] (b) incubating the HEK-293 cells with an inhibitor of endogenous potassium conductance of the HEK-293 cells;

[0021] (c) loading the incubated HEK-293 cells with a test compound and incubating; and

[0022] (d) measuring the maxi-K channel blocker activity of the test compound using a voltage/ion probe reader (VIPR) instrument and FRET based membrane potential sensing dyes to monitor membrane potential.

[0023] An embodiment of this invention is the method recited above wherein the stable cell lines are constructed by transfection.

[0024] An embodiment of the invention is the method as recited above wherein the measurement of the membrane resting potential, comprises the steps of:

[0025] (a) plating the HEK-293 cells (2E+06 Cells/mL) on 96-well poly-D-lysine plates at a density of about 100,000 cells/well;

[0026] (b) incubating the plates for about 16 to about 24 hours;

[0027] (c) aspirating medium off the cells;

[0028] (d) washing the cells one time with Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (D-PBS);

[0029] (e) adding 100 μl of 9 μM coumarin (CC2DMPE) dye-0.02% pluronic-127 in D-PBS per well;

[0030] (f) incubating in the dark for about 30 minutes;

[0031] (g) washing the cells two times with Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (D-PBS);

[0032] (h) adding 100 μl of 4.5 μM oxanol (DiSBAC2(3)) dye in (mM): 140 NaCl, 0.1 KCl, 2 CaCl2, 1 MgCl2, 20 Hepes-NaOH, pH at about 7.4, 10 glucose per well;

[0033] (i) adding an inhibitor of endogenous potassium conductance of HEK-293 cells;

[0034] (j) incubating at room temperature in the dark for about 30 minutes;

[0035] (k) loading the plates onto a voltage/ion probe reader and recording fluorescence emission of both dyes for about 10 seconds;

[0036] (l) adding 100 μl of high-potassium solution (in mM): 140 KCl, 2 CaCl2, 1 MgCl2, 20 Hepes-KOH, pH at about 7.4, 10 glucose; and

[0037] (m) recording fluoresence emission of both dyes for about 10 seconds and determining membrane resting potential from these data using a voltage/ion probe reader (VIPR) instrument.

[0038] An embodiment of the invention is the method as recited above wherein the measurement of the maxi-K channel blocking activity of a compound, comprises the steps of:

[0039] (a) plating the HEK-293 cells (2E+06 Cells/mL) on 96-well poly-D-lysine plates at a density of about 100,000 cells/well;

[0040] (b) incubating the plates for about 16 to about 24 hours;

[0041] (c) aspirating medium off the cells

[0042] (d) washing the cells one time with Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (D-PBS);

[0043] (e) adding 100 μl of 9 μM coumarin (CC2DMPE) dye-0.02% pluronic-127 in D-PBS per well;

[0044] (f) incubating in the dark for 30 minutes;

[0045] (g) washing the cells two times with Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (D-PBS);

[0046] (h) adding 100 μl of 4.5 μM oxanol (DiSBAC2(3)) dye in (mM): 140 NaCl, 0.1 KCl, 2 CaCl2, 1 MgCl2, 20 Hepes-NaOH, pH at about 7.4, 10 glucose per well;

[0047] (i) adding an inhibitor of endogenous potassium conductance of HEK-293 cells;

[0048] (j) adding a test compound;

[0049] (k) incubating at room temperature for about 30 minutes;

[0050] (l) loading the plates on to a voltage/ion probe reader and recording fluorescence emission of both dyes for about 10 seconds;

[0051] (m) adding 100 μl of high-potassium solution ( in mM): 140 KCl, 2 CaCl2, 1 MgCl2, 20 Hepes-KOH, pH at about 7.4, 10 glucose; and

[0052] (n) recording fluoresence emission of both dyes for about 10 seconds and determining membrane potential from these data using a voltage/ion probe reader (VIPR) instrument.

[0053] A preferred embodiment of this invention is realized when the inhibitor of the endogenous potassium conductances of the HEK-293 cells is a potassium channel blocker.

[0054] Another preferred embodiment of this invention is realized when the potassium channel blocker selectively eliminates the endogenous potassium conductances of the HEK-293 cells.

[0055] The potassium channel blockers employed in the claimed invention and the method of making said compounds are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/422,143 filed Oct. 21, 1999 and incorporated by reference herein. The compounds are of structural formula I and II: 1

[0056] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, crystal form, or hydrate, wherein a is a single bond or a double bond when R4 is absent, and represented by 2

[0057] in the structure above, with the proviso that a is a single bond when x+y=0;

[0058] n is: 0, 1, 2 or 3;

[0059] r is: 0 or 1;

[0060] s is: 0 or 1;

[0061] x and y are independently 0, 1, or 2;

[0062] R1, R2, R6 and R7 are independently:

[0063] (1) halo, wherein halo is fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo,

[0064] (2) hydroxy,

[0065] (3) (C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0066] (4) HO(C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0067] (5) (C1-C4)-perfluoroalkyl,

[0068] (6) (C2-C6)-alkenyl,

[0069] (7) (C2-C6)-alkynyl,

[0070] (8) O[(C═O)Or]s(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0071] (9) (C1-C6)-alkyl-S(O)n—,

[0072] (10) —(O)r(C0-C6)-alkyl-aryl, wherein aryl is phenyl or naphthyl unsubstituted or substituted with up to three substitutents selected from —(C1-C3)alkyl, trifluoromethyl, and halo;

[0073] (11) —(O)r-heteroaryl, wherein heteroaryl is pyridinyl or pyrryl,

[0074] (12) cyano,

[0075] (13) nitro,

[0076] (14) CO2H,

[0077] (15) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0078] (16) CO2(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0079] (17) CONR8R9,

[0080] (18) NR8R9,

[0081] (20) (C2-C6)-alkenyloxy,

[0082] (21) (CO)-aryl, wherein aryl is phenyl, naphthyl, benzothienyl, or a benzophenone radical and is unsubstituted or substituted with up to two substituents selected from halo, trifluromethyl, and (C1-C3)alkyl,

[0083] (22) hydrogen,

[0084] (23) OCF3,

[0085] (24) —(CH2)—O—N═C(CH3)(aryl), wherein aryl is phenyl or naphthyl and is unsubstituted or substituted with up to three halogen substituents,

[0086] (25) —S(O)n—NR8R9, or

[0087] (26) R1 and R2 or R6 and R7 can an be taken together when on adjacent carbons to form a fused benzo, dihydrofuranyl, furanyl, pyrrolidyl, dihydropyrrolidyl or 1,3-dioxolan group;

[0088] R3 and R4 are independently:

[0089] (1) halo, wherein halo is fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo,

[0090] (2) hydroxy, when a is a single bond,

[0091] (3) HO(C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0092] (4) (C1-C4)-perfluoroalkyl,

[0093] (5) O(CO)CCl3,

[0094] (6) (C1-C6)-alkyl-S(O)n—,

[0095] (7) phenyl-(CH2)r—S(O)n—,

[0096] (8) cyano,

[0097] (9) nitro,

[0098] (10) CO2H,

[0099] (11) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0100] (12) CO2(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0101] (13) CONR8R9,

[0102] (14) NR8R9,

[0103] (15) O(CO)NR8R9,

[0104] (16) azido,

[0105] (17) NR8(CO)NR8R9,

[0106] (18) hydrogen,

[0107] (19) (C1-C10)-alkyl, wherein alkyl includes cyclic as well as acyclic groups and is unsubstituted or substituted with one or two of the substituents selected from the group consisting of:

[0108] (a) halo, wherein halo is fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo,

[0109] (b) hydroxy,

[0110] (c) oxo,

[0111] (d) O[(C═O)Or]s(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0112] (e) (C1-C6)-alkyl-S(O)n—,

[0113] (f) aryl-(C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0114] (g) cyano,

[0115] (h) nitro,

[0116] (i) vinyl,

[0117] (j) NR8R9,

[0118] (k) O(CO)NR8R9,

[0119] (l) CHO,

[0120] (m) CO2H,

[0121] (n) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0122] (o) CO2(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0123] (p) CONR8R9,

[0124] (q) aryl, wherein aryl is defined as phenyl or naphthyl, unsubstituted or substituted with one, two or three of the substituents selected from the group consisting of:

[0125] (a′) halo, as defined above,

[0126] (b′) hydroxy,

[0127] (c′) (C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0128] (d′) (C1-C4)-perfluoroalkyl,

[0129] (e′) (C2-C6)-alkenyl,.

[0130] (f′) (C2-C6)-alkynyl,

[0131] (g′) (C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0132] (h′) (C1-C6)-alkyl-S(O)n—,

[0133] (i′) phenyl,

[0134] (j′) phenoxy,

[0135] (k′) cyano,

[0136] (l′) nitro,

[0137] (m′) CO2H,

[0138] (n′) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0139] (o′) CO2(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0140] (p′) CONR8R9,and

[0141] (q′) NR8R9,

[0142] (r) heteroaryl, wherein heteroaryl is defined as an unsubstituted, monosubstituted, or disubstituted five or six membered aromatic heterocycle containing from 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, N and S and wherein the substituents are members selected from the group consisting of:

[0143] (a′) halo, as defined above,

[0144] (b′) hydroxy,

[0145] (c′) (C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0146] (d′) (C1-C4)-perfluoroalkyl,

[0147] (e′) (C2-C6)-alkenyl,

[0148] (f′) (C2-C6)-alkynyl,

[0149] (g′) (C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0150] (h′) (C1-C6)-alkyl-S(O)n—,

[0151] (i′) phenyl,

[0152] (j′) phenoxy,

[0153] (k′) cyano,

[0154] (l′) nitro,

[0155] (m′) CO2H,

[0156] (n′) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0157] (o′) CO2(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0158] (p′) CONR8R9,

[0159] (q′) NR8R9, and

[0160] (r′) fused benzo or pyridyl group,

[0161] (s) heterocyclyl, wherein heterocyclyl is defined as a 3 to 7 atom cyclic, non-aromatic substituent containing from 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, N, and S, said heterocycle being unsubstituted or substituted with one, two or three substituents selected from the group consisting of:

[0162] (a′) halo, as defined above,

[0163] (b′) hydroxy,

[0164] (c′) (C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0165] (d′) (C1-C4)-perfluoroalkyl,

[0166] (e′) (C2-C6)-alkenyl,

[0167] (f′) (C2-C6)-alkynyl,

[0168] (g′) (C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0169] (h′) (C1-C6)-alkyl-S(O)n—,

[0170] (i′) phenyl,

[0171] (j′) phenoxy,

[0172] (k′) cyano,

[0173] (l′) nitro,

[0174] (m′) CO2H,

[0175] (n′) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0176] (o′) CO2(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0177] (p′) CONR8R9,

[0178] (q′) NR8R9,

[0179] (r′) NR8CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0180] (s′) oxo,

[0181] (t′) fused benzo, and

[0182] (u′) fused pyridyl group;

[0183] (t) benzyl-S(O)n—,

[0184] (u) O[(C═O)Or]s(C2-C6)-alkenyl,

[0185] (v) O[(C═O)Or]saryl,

[0186] (w) O[(C═O)Or]sheteroaryl,

[0187] (x) O(CH2)nheteroaryl, or

[0188] (y) O(CH2)naryl;

[0189] (20) (C2-C10)-alkenyl, wherein alkenyl is unsubstituted or substituted with one or two of the substituents selected from the group consisting of:

[0190] (a) halo, wherein halo is fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo,

[0191] (b) hydroxy,

[0192] (c) oxo,

[0193] (e) (C1-C6)-alkyl-S(O)n—,

[0194] (f) phenyl-(C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0195] (g) cyano,

[0196] (h) nitro,

[0197] (i) NR8R9,

[0198] (j) CHO,

[0199] (k) CO2H,

[0200] (l) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0201] (m) CO2(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0202] (n) CONR8R9,

[0203] (o) aryl, wherein aryl is as defined above,

[0204] (p) heteroaryl, wherein heteroaryl is as defined above,

[0205] (q) heterocyclyl, wherein heterocyclyl is as defined above,

[0206] (r) O[(C═O)Or]s(C1-C6)-alkyl, alkyl as defined above,

[0207] (s) O[(C═O)Or]s(C2-C6)-alkenyl, as defined above,

[0208] (t) O[(C═O)Or]saryl, aryl as defined above,

[0209] (u) O[(C═O)Or]sheteroaryl, heteroaryl as defined above,

[0210] (v) O(CH2)nheteroaryl, heteroaryl as defined above, and

[0211] (w) O(CH2)naryl, aryl as defined above;

[0212] (21) (C2-C10)-alkynyl, wherein alkynyl is unsubstituted or substituted with one or two of the substituents selected from the group consisting of:

[0213] (a) halo, wherein halo is fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo,

[0214] (b) hydroxy,

[0215] (c) oxo,

[0216] (d) (C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0217] (e) (C1-C6)-S(O)n—,

[0218] (f) phenyl-(C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0219] (g) cyano,

[0220] (h) nitro,

[0221] (i) vinyl,

[0222] (j) NR8R9,

[0223] (k) NR8CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0224] (l) CHO,

[0225] (m) CO2H,

[0226] (n) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0227] (o) CO2C(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0228] (p) CONR8R9,

[0229] (q) aryl, wherein aryl is as defined above,

[0230] (r) heteroaryl, wherein heteroaryl is as defined above,

[0231] (s) heterocyclyl, wherein heterocyclyl is as defined above,

[0232] (t) O[(C═O)Or]s(C1-C6)-alkyl, alkyl as defined above,

[0233] (u) O[(C═O)Or]s(C2-C6)-alkenyl, as defined above,

[0234] (v) O[(C═O)Or]saryl, aryl as defined above,

[0235] (w) O[(C═O)Or]sheteroaryl, heteroaryl as defined above

[0236] (x) O(CH2)nheteroaryl, heteroaryl as defined above, and

[0237] (y) O(CH2)naryl, aryl as defined above,

[0238] (22) O[(C═O)Or]s(C1-C6)-alkyl, alkyl as defined above,

[0239] (23) O[(C═O)Or]s(C2-C6)-alkenyl, as defined above,

[0240] (24) O[(C═O)Or]saryl, aryl as defined above,

[0241] (25) O[(C═O)Or]sheteroaryl, heteroaryl as defined above

[0242] (26) O(CH2)nheteroaryl, heteroaryl as defined above,

[0243] (27) aryl, wherein aryl is as defined above,

[0244] (28) O[(C═O)Or]sheteroaryl, heteroaryl as defined above,

[0245] (29) O(CO)NH(CH2-CO—NR8R9), or

[0246] (30) O(CH2)naryl, aryl as defined above;

[0247] R3 can also be any of the following when a is a single bond and R4 is absent:

[0248] (31) oxo,

[0249] (32) ═CH—(C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein alkyl is as defined above,

[0250] (33) ═CH—(C2-C6)-alkenyl, wherein alkenyl is as defined above,

[0251] (34) ═CH-aryl, wherein aryl is as defined above,

[0252] (35) ═CH2, or

[0253] R3 and R4 can be taken together to form a spiro-fused heterocyclyl group, wherein heterocyclyl is as defined above, or

[0254] R3 and R5 can be taken together to form a fused oxirane when a is a single bond, with the proviso that R4 is absent when a is a double bond;

[0255] R5 is:

[0256] (1) hydrogen,

[0257] (2) halogen,

[0258] (3) (C2-C6)-alkenyl,

[0259] (4) hydroxy,

[0260] (5) O[(C═O)Or]s(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0261] (6) O(CO)NR8R9,

[0262] (7) oxo, when a is a single bond, or

[0263] R5 and R3 can be taken together to form a fused oxirane when a is a single bond;

[0264] R8 and R9 are independently selected from the group consisting of:

[0265] (1) hydrogen,

[0266] (2) [(C═O)Or]saryl, wherein aryl is as defined above,

[0267] (3) [(C═O)Or]s(C2-C8)-alkenyl, wherein alkenyl is as defined above,

[0268] (4) [(C=O)Or]s(C1-C8)-alkyl, wherein alkyl is as defined above,

[0269] (5) (C═O)rS(O)n(C1-C8)-alkyl, wherein alkyl is as defined above,

[0270] (6) (C═O)rS(O)naryl, wherein aryl is as defined above, and

[0271] (7) heterocyclyl, wherein heterocyclyl is defined above;

[0272] R10 is:

[0273] (1) hydrogen,

[0274] (2) [(C═O)Or]saryl, wherein aryl is as defined above, or

[0275] (3) [(C═O)Or]s(C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein alkyl is as defined above.

[0276] A preferred embodiment is the compound of Formula II below wherein

[0277] x is 2and y is 1. 3

[0278] Yet another preferred emobodiment is the compound of Formula II above, wherein a is further defined as a single bond;

[0279] R1, R2, R6 and R7 are independently:

[0280] (1) halo, wherein halo is fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo,

[0281] (2) hydroxy,

[0282] (3) (C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0283] (4) HO(C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0284] (5) (C1-C6)-alkyloxy, wherein the alkyl is cyclic or straight-chained,

[0285] (6) acetoxy,

[0286] (7) nitro,

[0287] (8) NR8R9,

[0288] (9) —(O)r(C0-C3)-aryl, wherein aryl is phenyl or naphthyl unsubstituted or substituted with up to three substitutents selected from (C1-C3)alkyl, trifluoromethyl, and halo,

[0289] (10) hydrogen,

[0290] (11) (O)rCF3,

[0291] (12) (C1-C6)-alkyl-S(O)n—, wherein n is 0, 1, 2 or 3,

[0292] (13) (CO2)—(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0293] (14) —(O)r-heteroaryl, wherein heteroaryl is pyridinyl or pyrryl,

[0294] (15) (CO)-aryl, wherein aryl is phenyl, naphthyl, benzothienyl, or benzophenone radical and is unsubstituted or substituted with up to two substituents selected from halo, trifluromethyl, and (C1-C3)alkyl,

[0295] (16) —(CH2)—O—N═C(CH3)(aryl), wherein aryl is phenyl, unsubstituted or substituted with up to three halogen substituents,

[0296] (17) —S(O)n—NR8R9, or

[0297] (18) R1 and R2 or R6 and R7 can an be taken together to form a fused benzo, dihydrofuranyl, furanyl, pyrrolidyl, dihydropyrrolidyl or 1,3-dioxolan group;

[0298] R3 and R4 are independently:

[0299] (1) halo, wherein halo is fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo,

[0300] (2) hydroxy,

[0301] (3) HO(C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0302] (4) (C═O)O(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0303] (5) O(CO)CCl3,

[0304] (6) (C1-C6)-alkyl-S(O)n—, wherein n is 0, 1, 2 or 3,

[0305] (7) CH2CO2—(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0306] (8) cyano,

[0307] (9) benzyloxy,

[0308] (10) CH2OAc,

[0309] (11) OAc,

[0310] (12) (C2-C6)-alkenyl,

[0311] (13) (C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein alkyl can be unsubstituted or substituted with bromide

[0312] (14) NR8R9,

[0313] (15) O(CO)NR8R9,

[0314] (16) azido,

[0315] (17) NR8(CO)NR8R9,

[0316] (18) hydrogen,

[0317] (19) CH2OH,

[0318] (20) CH2O(C═O)phenyl, wherein phenyl is unsubstituted or monosubstituted with methoxy,

[0319] (21) O(C2-C6)-alkenyl,

[0320] (22) O(C═O)-phenyl, wherein phenyl is unsubstituted or monosubstituted with bromide,

[0321] (23) O(C═O)O-phenyl, wherein phenyl is unsubstituted or monosubstituted with nitro,

[0322] (24) CH2(CO)NR8R9,

[0323] (25) O(C═O)O—(C2-C6)-alkenyl,

[0324] (26) O(C═O)—(C1-C3)-alkyl, wherein the alkyl can be unsubstituted or substituted with bromide or —CO2CH3,

[0325] (27) O(C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein alkyl can be unsubstituted or substituted with phenyl,

[0326] (28) O(C═O)O—(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0327] (29) CH2O(CO)NR8R9, or

[0328] (30) CH2(C═O)O—(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0329] R3 can also be any of the following when R4 is absent:

[0330] (31) oxo,

[0331] (32) ═CH2,

[0332] (33) ═CH—CO2—(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0333] (34) ═CH—(CO)—NR8R9, or

[0334] (35) ═CH—CO2H, or

[0335] R3 and R4 can be taken together to form a spiro-fused heterocyclyl group, wherein heterocyclyl is defined as:

[0336] (36) oxirane,

[0337] (37) 1,3-dioxolan,

[0338] (38) 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan, or

[0339] (39) glycol sulfite, or

[0340] R3 and R5 can be taken together to form a fused oxirane;

[0341] R5 is:

[0342] (1) hydrogen,

[0343] (2) halogen,

[0344] (3) (C2-C6)-alkenyl,

[0345] (4) hydroxy,

[0346] (5) O(C═O)(C1-C3)-alkyl,

[0347] (6) O(CO)NR8R9,

[0348] (7) oxo, when a is a single bond, or

[0349] R5 and R3 can be taken together to form a fused oxirane when a is a single bond;

[0350] R8 and R9 are independently selected from the group consisting of:

[0351] (1) hydrogen,

[0352] (2) (C═O)O(C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein alkyl is optionally substituted with phenyl or methoxy,

[0353] (3) (C═O)phenyl, wherein phenyl is optionally substituted with bromide or methoxy,

[0354] (4) (C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein alkyl is optionally substituted with phenyl, methoxy, hydroxy, OCH2OCH3, benzylSO3, phenylSO3, or carboxymethyl,

[0355] (5) (C2-C6)-alkenyl,

[0356] (6) (C═O)O-phenyl, wherein phenyl is optionally substituted with nitro,

[0357] (7) (C═O)O(C2-C6)-alkenyl,

[0358] (8) (C═O)(C1-C3)-alkyl, wherein alkyl is optionally substituted with phenyl,

[0359] (9) (C═O)(C2-C4)-alkenyl,

[0360] (10) phenyl,

[0361] (11) SO2-phenyl,

[0362] (12) SO2-benzyl,

[0363] (13) CH2(CO)CH3,

[0364] (14) CH2(CO)NH-benzyl,

[0365] (15) CH2(CO)NH-allyl,

[0366] (16) CH2(CO)N(CH3)2,

[0367] (17) CH2(CO)NH(CH3), 4

[0368] (24) CH2CH2NHCO2(C1-C3)alkyl,

[0369] (25) CH2CH2O(CO)NHCH3,

[0370] (26) CH2CH2O(CO)NH-allyl,

[0371] (27) CH2CH2NH(SO2)CH3,

[0372] (28) CH2CH2NH2,

[0373] (29) CH2CH2NH(CO)CH2CH3, and

[0374] (30) benzyl;

[0375] R10 is:

[0376] (1) hydrogen,

[0377] (2) (C═O)phenyl, wherein phenyl is unsubstituted or substituted with F, Cl, Br, or I, or

[0378] (3) (C1-C3)-alkyl.

[0379] A most preferred embodiment of formula I or II is a compound selected from the group consisting of: trans 1-(N-ethylcarbamoyloxy)-4-phenyl-4-(3-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-2-azaprop1-1yl)cyclohexane, trans 1-(N-allylcarbamoyloxy)-4-phenyl-4-(3-(2-hydroxy-5-fluorophenyl)-3-oxo-2-azaprop-1-yl)cyclohexane, trans 1-(N-n-propylcarbamoyloxy)-4-phenyl-4-(3-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-2-azaprop-1-yl)cyclohexane, trans 1-(N-methylcarbamoyloxy)-4-phenyl-4-(3-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-2-azaprop-1-yl)cyclohexane, and trans 1-(N-allylcarbamoyloxy)-4-phenyl-4-(3-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-2-azapropyl)cyclohexane.

[0380] Another most preferred embodiment of formula I or II is an enantiomerically pure compound or an enantiomerically enriched compound with the following structural formula: 5

[0381] Another most preferred embodiment of formula I or II is an enantiomerically pure compound or an enantiomerically enriched compound with the following structural formula: 6

[0382] Other potassium channel blockers employed to selectively eliminate endogenous conductances of the HEK-293 cells and the method of making said compounds are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/422,499, filed Oct. 21, 1999, incorporated herein by reference. The compounds are of structural formula III: 7

[0383] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, crystal form, or hydrate, wherein:

[0384] n is: 0, 1, 2 or 3;

[0385] r is: 0 or 1;

[0386] s is: 0 or 1;

[0387] R1, R2, R5, R6 and R7 are independently:

[0388] (1) halo, wherein halo is fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo,

[0389] (2) hydroxy,

[0390] (3) (C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0391] (4) HO(C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0392] (5) (C1-C4)-perfluoroalkyl,

[0393] (6) (C2-C6)-alkenyl,

[0394] (7) (C2-C6)-alkynyl,

[0395] (8) O[(C═O)Or]s(C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein the alkyl may be cyclic or straight-chained,

[0396] (9) (C1-C6)-alkyl-S(O)n—,

[0397] (10) phenyl,

[0398] (11) phenoxy,

[0399] (12) cyano,

[0400] (13) nitro,

[0401] (14) CO2H,

[0402] (15) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0403] (16) CO2(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0404] (17) CONR8R9,

[0405] (18) NR8R9,

[0406] (20) (C2-C6)-alkenyloxy,

[0407] (21) benzyloxy,

[0408] (22) hydrogen,

[0409] (23) OCF3, or

[0410] (24) R1 and R2 or R6 and R7 can an be taken together when on adjacent carbons to form a fused benzo, dihydrofuranyl, furanyl, pyrrolidyl, dihydropyrrolidyl or 1,3-dioxolan group;

[0411] R3 and R4 are independently:

[0412] (1) halo, wherein halo is fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo,

[0413] (2) hydroxy,

[0414] (3) HO(C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0415] (4) (C1-C4)-perfluoroalkyl,

[0416] (5) O(CO)CCl3,

[0417] (6) (C1-C6)-alkyl-S(O)n—,

[0418] (7) phenyl-(CH2)r—S(O)n—,

[0419] (8) cyano,

[0420] (9) nitro,

[0421] (10) CO2H,

[0422] (11) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0423] (12) CO2(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0424] (13) CONR8R9,

[0425] (14) NR8R9,

[0426] (15) O(CO)NR8R9,

[0427] (16) azido,

[0428] (17) NR8(CO)NR8R9,

[0429] (18) hydrogen,

[0430] (19) (C1-C10)-alkyl, wherein alkyl includes cyclic as well as acyclic groups and is unsubstituted or substituted with one or two of the substituents selected from the group consisting of:

[0431] (a) halo, wherein halo is fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo,

[0432] (b) hydroxy,

[0433] (c) oxo,

[0434] (d) O[(C═O)Or]s(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0435] (e) (C1-C6)-alkyl-S(O)n—,

[0436] (f) aryl-(C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0437] (g) cyano,

[0438] (h) nitro,

[0439] (i) vinyl,

[0440] (j) NR8R9,

[0441] (k) O(CO)NR8R9,

[0442] (l) CHO,

[0443] (m) CO2H,

[0444] (n) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0445] (o) CO2(C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein alkyl may be substituted with phenyl,

[0446] (p) CONR8R9,

[0447] (q) aryl, wherein aryl is defined as phenyl or naphthyl, unsubstituted or substituted with one, two or three of the substituents selected from the group consisting of:

[0448] (a′) halo, as defined above,

[0449] (b′) hydroxy,

[0450] (c′) (C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0451] (d′) (C1-C4)-perfluoroalkyl,

[0452] (e′) (C2-C6)-alkenyl,

[0453] (f′) (C2-C6)-alkynyl,

[0454] (g′) (C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0455] (h′) (C1-C6)-alkyl-S(O)n—,

[0456] (i′) phenyl,

[0457] (j′) phenoxy,

[0458] (k′) cyano,

[0459] (l′) nitro,

[0460] (m′) CO2H,

[0461] (n′) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0462] (o′) CO2(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0463] (p′) CONR8R9,

[0464] (q′) NR8R9, and

[0465] (r) heteroaryl, wherein heteroaryl is defined as an unsubstituted, monosubstituted, or disubstituted five or six membered aromatic heterocycle containing from 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, N and S and wherein the substituents are members selected from the group consisting of:

[0466] (a′) halo, as defined above,

[0467] (b′) hydroxy,

[0468] (c′) (C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0469] (d′) (C1-C4)-perfluoroalkyl,

[0470] (e′) (C2-C6)-alkenyl,

[0471] (f′) (C2-C6)-alkynyl,

[0472] (g′) (C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0473] (h′) (C1-C6)-alkyl-S(O)n—,

[0474] (i′) phenyl,

[0475] (j′) phenoxy,

[0476] (k′) cyano,

[0477] (l′) nitro,

[0478] (m′) CO2H,

[0479] (n′) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0480] (o′) CO2(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0481] (p′) CONR8R9,

[0482] (q′) NR8R9, and

[0483] (r′) fused benzo or pyridyl group,

[0484] (s) heterocyclyl, wherein heterocyclyl is defined as a 3 to 7 atom cyclic, non-aromatic substituent containing from 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, N, and S, said heterocycle being unsubstituted or substituted with one, two or three substituents selected from the group consisting of:

[0485] (a′) halo, as defined above,

[0486] (b′) hydroxy,

[0487] (c′) (C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0488] (d′) (C1-C4)-perfluoroalkyl,

[0489] (e′) (C2-C6)-alkenyl,

[0490] (f′) (C2-C6)-alkynyl,

[0491] (g′) (C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0492] (h′) (C1-C6)-alkyl-S(O)n—,

[0493] (i′) phenyl,

[0494] (j′) phenoxy,

[0495] (k′) cyano,

[0496] (l′) nitro,

[0497] (m′) CO2H,

[0498] (n′) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0499] (o′) CO2(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0500] (p′) CONR8R9,

[0501] (q′) NR8R9,

[0502] (r′) NR8CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0503] (s′) oxo,

[0504] (t′) fused benzo, and

[0505] (u′) fused pyridyl group;

[0506] (t) benzyl-S(O)n—,

[0507] (u) O[(C═O)Or]s(C2-C6)-alkenyl,

[0508] (v) O[(C═O)Or]saryl,

[0509] (w) O[(C═O)Or]sheteroaryl,

[0510] (x) O(CH2)nheteroaryl, or

[0511] (y) O(CH2)naryl;

[0512] (20) (C2-C10)-alkenyl, wherein alkenyl is unsubstituted or substituted with one or two of the substituents selected from the group consisting of:

[0513] (a) halo, wherein halo is fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo,

[0514] (b) hydroxy,

[0515] (c) oxo,

[0516] (e) (C1-C6)-alkyl-S(O)n—,

[0517] (f) phenyl-(C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0518] (g) cyano,

[0519] (h) nitro,

[0520] (i) NR8R9,

[0521] (j) CHO,

[0522] (k) CO2H,

[0523] (l) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0524] (m) CO2(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0525] (n) CONR8R9,

[0526] (o) aryl, wherein aryl is as defined above,

[0527] (p) heteroaryl, wherein heteroaryl is as defined above,

[0528] (q) heterocyclyl, wherein heterocyclyl is as defined above,

[0529] (r) O[(C═O)Or]s(C1-C6)-alkyl, alkyl as defined above,

[0530] (s) O[(C═O)Or]s(C2-C6)-alkenyl, as defined above,

[0531] (t) O[(C═O)Or]saryl, aryl as defined above,

[0532] (u) O[(C═O)Or]sheteroaryl, heteroaryl as defined above,

[0533] (v) O(CH2)nheteroaryl, heteroaryl as defined above, and

[0534] (w) O(CH2)naryl, aryl as defined above;

[0535] (21) (C2-C10)-alkynyl, wherein alkynyl is unsubstituted or substituted with one or two of the substituents selected from the group consisting of:

[0536] (a) halo, wherein halo is fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo,

[0537] (b) hydroxy,

[0538] (c) oxo,

[0539] (d) (C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0540] (e) (C1-C6)—S(O)n—,

[0541] (f) phenyl-(C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0542] (g) cyano,

[0543] (h) nitro,

[0544] (i) vinyl,

[0545] (j) NR8R9,

[0546] (k) NR8CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0547] (l) CHO,

[0548] (m) CO2H,

[0549] (n) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0550] (o) CO2C(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0551] (p) CONR8R9,

[0552] (q) aryl, wherein aryl is as defined above,

[0553] (r) heteroaryl, wherein heteroaryl is as defined above,

[0554] (s) heterocyclyl, wherein heterocyclyl is as defined above,

[0555] (t) O[(C═O)Or]s(C1-C6)-alkyl, alkyl as defined above,

[0556] (u) O[(C═O)Or]s(C2-C6)-alkenyl, as defined above,

[0557] (v) O[(C═O)Or]saryl, aryl as defined above,

[0558] (w) O[(C═O)Or]sheteroaryl, heteroaryl as defined above

[0559] (x) O(CH2)nheteroaryl, heteroaryl as defined above, and

[0560] (y) O(CH2)naryl, aryl as defined above,

[0561] (22) O[(C═O)Or]s(C1-C6)-alkyl, alkyl as defined above,

[0562] (23) O[(C═O)Or]s(C2-C6)-alkenyl, as defined above,

[0563] (24) O[(C═O)Or]saryl, aryl as defined above,

[0564] (25) O[(C═O)Or]sheteroaryl, heteroaryl as defined above

[0565] (26) O(CH2)nheteroaryl, heteroaryl as defined above,

[0566] (27) aryl, wherein aryl is as defined above or

[0567] (28) O(CH2)naryl, aryl as defined above;

[0568] R3 can also be any of the following when R4 is absent:

[0569] (29) oxo,

[0570] (30) ═CH—(C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein alkyl is as defined above,

[0571] (31) ═CH—(C2-C6)-alkenyl, wherein alkenyl is as defined above,

[0572] (32) ═CH-aryl, wherein aryl is as defined above, or

[0573] (33) ═CH2;

[0574] R8 and R9 are independently selected from the group consisting of:

[0575] (1) hydrogen,

[0576] (2) [(C═O)Or]saryl, wherein aryl is as defined above,

[0577] (3) [(C═O)Or]s(C2-C8)-alkenyl, wherein alkenyl is as defined above,

[0578] (4) [(C═O)Or]s(C1-C8)-alkyl, wherein alkyl is as defined above,

[0579] (5) (C═O)rS(O)n(C1-C8)-alkyl, wherein alkyl is as defined above,

[0580] (6) (C═O)rS(O)n-naryl, wherein aryl is as defined above, and

[0581] (7) heterocyclyl, wherein heterocyclyl is defined above;

[0582] R10 is:

[0583] (1) hydrogen,

[0584] (2) [(C═O)Or]saryl, wherein aryl is as defined above, or

[0585] (3) [(C═O)Or]s(C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein alkyl is as defined above.

[0586] Another embodiment of the invention is the compound of Formula III, wherein R3 and R4 are independently:

[0587] (1) halo, wherein halo is fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo,

[0588] (2) hydroxy,

[0589] (3) HO(C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0590] (4) (C1-C4)-perfluoroalkyl,

[0591] (5) O(CO)CCl3,

[0592] (6) (C1-C6)-alkyl-S(O)n—,

[0593] (7) phenyl-(CH2)r—S(O)n—,

[0594] (8) cyano,

[0595] (9) nitro,

[0596] (10) CO2H,

[0597] (11) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0598] (12) CO2(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0599] (13) CONR8R9,

[0600] (14) NR8R9,

[0601] (15) O(CO)NR8R9,

[0602] (16) azido,

[0603] (17) NR8(CO)NR8R9,

[0604] (18) hydrogen,

[0605] (19) (C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein alkyl includes cyclic as well as acyclic groups and is unsubstituted or substituted with one or two of the substituents selected from the group consisting of:

[0606] (a) halo, wherein halo is fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo,

[0607] (b) hydroxy,

[0608] (c) oxo,

[0609] (d) O[(C═O)Or]s(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0610] (e) (C1-C6)-alkyl-S(O)n—,

[0611] (f) aryl-(C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0612] (g) cyano,

[0613] (h) nitro,

[0614] (i) vinyl,

[0615] (j) NR8R9,

[0616] (k) O(CO)NR8R9,

[0617] (l) CHO,

[0618] (m) CO2H,

[0619] (n) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0620] (o) CO2(C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein alkyl may be substituted with phenyl,

[0621] (p) CONR8R9,

[0622] (q) aryl, wherein aryl is defined as phenyl or naphthyl, unsubstituted or substituted with one, two or three of the substituents selected from the group consisting of:

[0623] (a′) halo, as defined above,

[0624] (b′) hydroxy,

[0625] (c′) (C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0626] (d′) (C1-C4)-perfluoroalkyl,

[0627] (e′) (C2-C6)-alkenyl,

[0628] (f′) (C2-C6)-alkynyl,

[0629] (g′) (C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0630] (h′) (C1-C6)-alkyl-S(O)n—,

[0631] (i′) phenyl,

[0632] (j′) phenoxy,

[0633] (k′) cyano,

[0634] (l′) nitro,

[0635] (m′) CO2H,

[0636] (n′) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0637] (o′) CO2(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0638] (p′) CONR8R9,

[0639] (q′) NR8R9, and

[0640] (r) heteroaryl, wherein heteroaryl is defined as an unsubstituted, monosubstituted, or disubstituted five or six membered aromatic heterocycle containing from 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, N and S and wherein the substituents are members selected from the group consisting of:

[0641] (a′) halo, as defined above,

[0642] (b′) hydroxy,

[0643] (c′) (C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0644] (d′) (C1-C4)-perfluoroalkyl,

[0645] (e′) (C2-C6)-alkenyl,

[0646] (f′) (C2-C6)-alkynyl,

[0647] (g′) (C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0648] (h′) (C1-C6)-alkyl-S(O)n—,

[0649] (i′) phenyl,

[0650] (j′) phenoxy,

[0651] (k′) cyano,

[0652] (l′) nitro,

[0653] (m′) CO2H,

[0654] (n′) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0655] (o′) CO2(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0656] (p′) CONR8R9,

[0657] (q′) NR8R9, and

[0658] (r′) fused benzo or pyridyl group,

[0659] (s) heterocyclyl, wherein heterocyclyl is defined as a 3 to 7 atom cyclic, non-aromatic substituent containing from 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, N, and S, said heterocycle being unsubstituted or substituted with one, two or three substituents selected from the group consisting of:

[0660] (a′) halo, as defined above,

[0661] (b′) hydroxy,

[0662] (c′) (C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0663] (d′) (C1-C4)-perfluoroalkyl,

[0664] (e′) (C2-C6)-alkenyl,

[0665] (f′) (C2-C6)-alkynyl,

[0666] (g′) (C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0667] (h′) (C1-C6)-alkyl-S(O)n—,

[0668] (i′) phenyl,

[0669] (j′) phenoxy,

[0670] (k′) cyano,

[0671] (l′) nitro,

[0672] (m′) CO2H,

[0673] (n′) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0674] (o′) CO2(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0675] (p′) CONR8R9,

[0676] (q′) NR8R9,

[0677] (r′) NR8CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0678] (s′) oxo,

[0679] (t′) fused benzo, and

[0680] (u′) fused pyridyl group;

[0681] (t) benzyl-S(O)n—,

[0682] (u) O[(C═O)Or]s(C2-C6)-alkenyl,

[0683] (v) O[(C═O)Or]saryl,

[0684] (w) O[(C═O)Or]sheteroaryl,

[0685] (x) O(CH2)nheteroaryl, or

[0686] (y) O(CH2)naryl;

[0687] (20) (C2-C6)-alkenyl, wherein alkenyl is unsubstituted or substituted with one or two of the substituents selected from the group consisting of:

[0688] (a) halo, wherein halo is fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo,

[0689] (b) hydroxy,

[0690] (c) oxo,

[0691] (e) (C1-C6)-alkyl-S(O)n—,

[0692] (f) phenyl-(C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0693] (g) cyano,

[0694] (h) nitro,

[0695] (i) NR8R9,

[0696] (j) CHO,

[0697] (k) CO2H,

[0698] (l) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0699] (m) CO2(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0700] (n) CONR8R9,

[0701] (o) aryl, wherein aryl is as defined above,

[0702] (p) heteroaryl, wherein heteroaryl is as defined above,

[0703] (q) heterocyclyl, wherein heterocyclyl is as defined above,

[0704] (r) O[(C═O)Or]s(C1-C6)-alkyl, alkyl as defined above,

[0705] (s) O[(C═O)Or]s(C2-C6)-alkenyl, as defined above,

[0706] (t) O[(C═O)Or]saryl, aryl as defined above,

[0707] (u) O[(C═O)Or]sheteroaryl, heteroaryl as defined above,

[0708] (v) O(CH2)nheteroaryl, heteroaryl as defined above, and

[0709] (w) O(CH2)naryl, aryl as defined above;

[0710] (21) (C2-C6)-alkynyl, wherein alkynyl is unsubstituted or substituted with one or two of the substituents selected from the group consisting of:

[0711] (a) halo, wherein halo is fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo,

[0712] (b) hydroxy,

[0713] (c) oxo,

[0714] (d) (C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0715] (e) (C1-C6)-S(O)n—,

[0716] (f) phenyl-(C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0717] (g) cyano,

[0718] (h) nitro,

[0719] (i) vinyl,

[0720] (j) NR8R9,

[0721] (k) NR8CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0722] (l) CHO,

[0723] (m) CO2H,

[0724] (n) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0725] (o) CO2C(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0726] (p) CONR8R9,

[0727] (q) aryl, wherein aryl is as defined above,

[0728] (r) heteroaryl, wherein heteroaryl is as defined above,

[0729] (s) heterocyclyl, wherein heterocyclyl is as defined above,

[0730] (t) O[(C═O)Or]s(C1-C6)-alkyl, alkyl as defined above,

[0731] (u) O[(C═O)Or]s(C2-C6)-alkenyl, as defined above,

[0732] (v) O[(C═O)Or]saryl, aryl as defined above,

[0733] (w) O[(C═O)Or]sheteroaryl, heteroaryl as defined above

[0734] (x) O(CH2)nheteroaryl, heteroaryl as defined above, and

[0735] (y) O(CH2)naryl, aryl as defined above,

[0736] (22) O[(C═O)Or]s(C1-C6)-alkyl, alkyl as defined above,

[0737] (23) O[(C═O)Or]s(C2-C6)-alkenyl, as defined above,

[0738] (24) O[(C═O)Or]saryl, aryl as defined above,

[0739] (25) O[(C═O)Or]sheteroaryl, heteroaryl as defined above

[0740] (26) O(CH2)nheteroaryl, heteroaryl as defined above,

[0741] (27) aryl, wherein aryl is as defined above or

[0742] (28) O(CH2)naryl, aryl as defined above;

[0743] R3 can also be any of the following when R4 is absent:

[0744] (29) oxo,

[0745] (30) ═CH—(C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein alkyl is as defined above,

[0746] (31) ═CH—(C2-C6)-alkenyl, wherein alkenyl is as defined above,

[0747] (32) ═CH-aryl, wherein aryl is as defined above, or

[0748] (33) ═CH2.

[0749] A preferred embodiment is the compound of Formula III, wherein R1, R2, R5, R6 and R7 are independently:

[0750] (1) halo, wherein halo is fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo,

[0751] (2) hydroxy,

[0752] (3) (C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0753] (4) HO(C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0754] (5) (C1-C4)-perfluoroalkyl,

[0755] (6) (C2-C6)-alkenyl,

[0756] (7) O[(C═O)Or]s(C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein the alkyl may be cyclic or straight-chained,

[0757] (8) phenyl,

[0758] (9) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0759] (10) CO2(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0760] (11) CONR8R9;

[0761] (12) NR8R9,

[0762] (13) (C2-C6)-alkenyloxy,

[0763] (14) benzyloxy,

[0764] (15) hydrogen,

[0765] (16) OCF3,

[0766] (17) R1 and R2 or R6 and R7 can an be taken together when on adjacent carbons to form a fused benzo, dihydrofuranyl, furanyl, pyrrolidyl, dihydropyrrolidyl or 1,3-dioxolan group;

[0767] R3 and R4 are independently:

[0768] (1) halo, wherein halo is fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo,

[0769] (2) hydroxy,

[0770] (3) HO(C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0771] (4) (C1-C4)-perfluoroalkyl,

[0772] (5) O(CO)CCl3,

[0773] (6) (C1-C6)-alkyl-S(O)n—,

[0774] (7) phenyl-(CH2)r—S(O)n—,

[0775] (8) cyano,

[0776] (9) nitro,

[0777] (10) CO2H,

[0778] (11) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0779] (12) CO2(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0780] (13) CONR8R9,

[0781] (14) NR8R9,

[0782] (15) O(CO)NR8R9,

[0783] (16) azido,

[0784] (17) NR8(CO)NR8R9,

[0785] (18) hydrogen,

[0786] (19) (C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein alkyl includes cyclic as well as acyclic groups and is unsubstituted or substituted with one or two of the substituents selected from the group consisting of:

[0787] (a) halo, wherein halo is fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo,

[0788] (b) hydroxy,

[0789] (c) oxo,

[0790] (d) O[(C═O)Or]s(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0791] (e) aryl-(C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0792] (f) NR8R9,

[0793] (g) O(CO)NR8R9,

[0794] (h) CHO,

[0795] (i) CO2H,

[0796] (j) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0797] (k) CO2(C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein alkyl may be substituted with phenyl,

[0798] (l) CO2(C1-C6)-alkenyl,

[0799] (m) CONR8R9,

[0800] (n) aryl, wherein aryl is defined as phenyl or naphthyl, unsubstituted or substituted with a substituent selected from the group consisting of:

[0801] (a′) halo, as defined above,

[0802] (b′) hydroxy,

[0803] (c′) (C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0804] (d′) (C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0805] (e′) (C1-C6)-alkyl-S(O)n—,

[0806] (f′) phenyl,

[0807] (g′) phenoxy,

[0808] (h′) cyano,

[0809] (i′) CO2H,

[0810] (j′) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0811] (k′) CO2(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0812] (l′) CONR8R9,

[0813] (m′) NR8R9, and

[0814] (o) benzyl-S(O)n—,

[0815] (p) O[(C═O)Or]s(C2-C6)-alkenyl,

[0816] (q) O[(C═O)Or]saryl,

[0817] (r) O[(C═O)Or]sheteroaryl,

[0818] (s) O(CH2)nheteroaryl, or

[0819] (t) O(CH2)naryl;

[0820] (20) (C2-C6)-alkenyl, wherein alkenyl is unsubstituted or substituted with a substituent selected from the group consisting of:

[0821] (a) halo, wherein halo is fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo,

[0822] (b) hydroxy,

[0823] (c) oxo,

[0824] (d) phenyl-(C1-C6)-alkyloxy,

[0825] (e) NR8R9,

[0826] (f) CHO,

[0827] (g) CO2H,

[0828] (h) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0829] (i) CO2(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0830] (j) CONR8R9,

[0831] (k) aryl, wherein aryl is as defined above,

[0832] (l) O[(C═O)Or]s(C1-C6)-alkyl, alkyl as defined above,

[0833] (m) O[(C═O)Or]saryl, aryl as defined above,

[0834] (n) O[(C═O)Or]sheteroaryl, heteroaryl as defined above,

[0835] (o) O(CH2)nheteroaryl, heteroaryl as defined above, and

[0836] (p) O(CH2)naryl, aryl as defined above;

[0837] (21) O[(C═O)Or]s(C1-C6)-alkyl, alkyl as defined above,

[0838] (22) O[(C═O)Or]s(C2-C6)-alkenyl, as defined above,

[0839] (23) O[(C═O)Or]saryl, aryl as defined above,

[0840] (24) O[(C═O)Or]sheteroaryl, heteroaryl as defined above

[0841] (25) O(CH2)nheteroaryl, heteroaryl as defined above,

[0842] (26) aryl, wherein aryl is as defined above or

[0843] (27) O(CH2)naryl, aryl as defined above;

[0844] R3 can also be any of the following when R4 is absent:

[0845] (28) oxo,

[0846] (29) ═CH—(C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein alkyl is as defined above,

[0847] (30) ═CH—(C2-C6)-alkenyl, wherein alkenyl is as defined above,

[0848] (31) ═CH-aryl, wherein aryl is as defined above, or

[0849] (32) ═CH2;

[0850] R8 and R9 are independently selected from the group consisting of:

[0851] (1) hydrogen,

[0852] (2) [(C═O)Or]saryl, wherein aryl is as defined above,

[0853] (3) [(C═O)Or]s(C2-C8)-alkenyl, wherein alkenyl is as defined above, and

[0854] (4) [(C═O)Or]s(C1-C8)-alkyl, wherein alkyl is as defined above, and

[0855] R10 is:

[0856] (1) hydrogen, or

[0857] (2) [(C═O)Or]s(C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein alkyl is as defined above.

[0858] Another preferred emodiment is the compound of Formula III, wherein R1, R2, R5, R6 and R7 are independently:

[0859] (1) halo, wherein halo is fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo,

[0860] (2) hydroxy,

[0861] (3) (C1-C3)-alkyl,

[0862] (4) (C2-C3)-alkenyl,

[0863] (5) O(C1-C4)-alkyl, wherein the alkyl may be cyclic or straight-chained,

[0864] (6) O(CO)CH3,

[0865] (7) CO(C1-C3)-alkyl,

[0866] (8) CO2(C1-C3)-alkyl,

[0867] (9) hydrogen,

[0868] (10) R1 and R2 or R6 and R7 can an be taken together when on adjacent carbons to form a fused benzo, dihydrofuranyl, furanyl, pyrrolidyl, dihydropyrrolidyl or 1,3-dioxolan group;

[0869] R3 and R4 are independently:

[0870] (1) hydrogen,

[0871] (2) (C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein alkyl includes cyclic as well as acyclic groups and is unsubstituted or substituted with one or two of the substituents selected from the group consisting of:

[0872] (a) halo, wherein halo is fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo,

[0873] (b) hydroxy,

[0874] (c) oxo,

[0875] (d) O[(C═O)Or]s(C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein r and s are independently 0 or 1,

[0876] (e) CO2(C2-C3)-alkenyl,

[0877] (f) O[(C═O)Or]s(C1-C6)-alkenyl, wherein r and s are independently 0 or 1,

[0878] (g) NR8R9,

[0879] (h) O(CO)NR8R9,

[0880] (i) CHO,

[0881] (j) CO2H,

[0882] (k) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl,

[0883] (l) CO2(C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein alkyl may be substituted with phenyl,

[0884] (m) CONR8R9,

[0885] (n) aryl, wherein aryl is defined as phenyl, unsubstituted or substituted with a substituent selected from the group consisting of:

[0886] (a′) halo, as defined above,

[0887] (b′) hydroxy,

[0888] (c′) (C1-C6)-alkyl, and

[0889] (d′) (C1-C6)-alkyloxy, and

[0890] (o) O[(C═O)Or]s(C2-C6)-alkenyl, wherein r and s are independently 0 or 1,

[0891] (3) (C2-C6)-alkenyl,

[0892] (4) aryl, wherein aryl is as defined above or

[0893] (5) O(CH2)naryl, wherein aryl is as defined above;

[0894] R3 can also be any of the following when R4 is absent:

[0895] (6) ═CH—(C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein alkyl is as defined above,

[0896] (7) ═CH—(C2-C6)-alkenyl, wherein alkenyl is as defined above,

[0897] R8 and R9 are independently selected from the group consisting of:

[0898] (1) hydrogen,

[0899] (2) [(C═O)Or]saryl, wherein aryl is as defined above and r and s are independently 0 or 1,

[0900] (3) (C2-C8)-alkenyl, wherein alkenyl is as defined above,and

[0901] (4) (C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein alkyl is as defined above, and

[0902] R10 is:

[0903] (1) hydrogen, or

[0904] (2) (C═O)(C1-C3)-alkyl, wherein alkyl is as defined above.

[0905] As used herein, the term “alkyl”, unless otherwise indicated, includes those alkyl groups of a designated number of carbon atoms of either a straight, branched, or cyclic configuration (carbocycles). Examples of “alkyl” include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, sec- and tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, norbornyl, and the like. “Alkoxy” represents an alkyl group of indicated number of carbon atoms attached through an oxygen bridge, such as methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy and pentoxy. The following illustrate the foregoing definitions: “(C1-C3)-alkyl” may be methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, or cyclopropyl. Similarly, “O—(C1-C3)-alkyl” may be methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, i-propoxy, or cyclopropoxy. In some cases, a C0 designation is used, as in “—(C0-C2)-alkyl-phenyl.” In such a case, the substituent is intended to be any of the following: phenyl, benzyl, 1-phenylethyl,or 2-phenylethyl. In certain definitions, the alkyl may be substituted with one or more substituents. For example a definition which reads “(C1-C2)-alkyl, substituted with one or two substitutents selected from oxo, hydroxy, and halo” is intended to include C(O)CH3, CH2BrCH3, CO2H, C(OH)CH3, CH2CH2(OH), CH2CO2H, CHBrCH2Cl, CHO, and so on.

[0906] “Alkenyl” is intended to include hydrocarbon chains of a specified number of carbon atoms of either a straight- or branched-configuration and at least one unsaturation, which may occur at any point along the chain, such as ethenyl, propenyl, butenyl, pentenyl, dimethyl pentenyl, and the like, and includes E and Z forms, where applicable. “Halogen” and “halo”, as used herein, mean fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo.

[0907] The term “aryl,” unless specifically defined otherwise, is defined as phenyl or naphthyl, unsubstituted or substituted with one, two or three of the substituents selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxy, alkyl, perfluoroalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkyloxy, alkyl-S(O)n—, phenyl, phenoxy, cyano, nitro, CO2H, CO-alkyl, CO2-alkyl, CONR8R9,and NR8R9.

[0908] The term “heteroaryl” as utilized herein, unless specifically defined otherwise, is intended to include the following: an unsubstituted, monosubstituted, or disubstituted five or six membered aromatic heterocycle containing from 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, N and S and wherein the substituent is halo, hydroxy, alkyl, perfluoroalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkyloxy, -alkyl-S(O)n—, phenyl, phenoxy, cyano, nitro, CO2H, CO-alkyl, CO2-alkyl, CONR8R9, NR8R9, or a fused benzo or pyridyl group. Heteroaryl groups within the scope of this definition include but are not limited to: acridinyl, carbazolyl, cinnolinyl, quinoxalinyl, pyrrazolyl, indolyl, benzotriazolyl, furanyl, thienyl, benzothienyl, benzofuranyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, and pyrrolyl which are substituted or unsubstituted as defined above.

[0909] In the compounds of Formula I, II and III, the heteroaryl or aryl groups may be optionally substituted with the substituents listed above at any available carbon atom or nitrogen atom (if present), but compounds bearing certain substitutents, directly substituted to a nitrogen may be relatively unstable and are not preferred. The heteroaryl may also be fused to a second 5-, 6-, or 7-membered ring containing one or two oxygens such as: dioxolanyl, dihydrofuranyl, dihydropyranyl, and dioxanyl. Disubstituted aryl groups may be ortho, para or meta and all three are intended unless specifically defined otherwise.

[0910] “Heterocyclyl” is defined as a 3 to 7 atom cyclic, non-aromatic substituent containing from 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of O, N, and S, which is unsubstituted or substituted with one, two or three substituents selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxy, alkyl, perfluoroalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkyloxy, alkyl-S(O)n—, phenyl, phenoxy, cyano, nitro, CO2H, COalkyl, CO2-alkyl, CONR8R9, NR8R9, NR8CO-alkyl, oxo, fused benzo, and fused pyridyl group.

[0911] Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include both the metallic (inorganic) salts and organic salts; a list of which is given in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 17th Edition, pg. 1418 (1985).

[0912] A most preferred embodiment of the compounds of formula III is a compound which is selected from the group consisting of: 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-oxo-2-aza-(S)-4-i-butyl-4-phenylbutane, 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-oxo-2-aza-4-(S)-((3-allyloxycarbonyloxy)propyl))-4-phenylbutane, 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-oxo-2-aza-4,4-diethyl-4-phenylbutane, 1-(2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-7-yl)-1-oxo-2-aza-4,4-diethyl-4-(phenyl)-butane, and 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-oxo-2-aza-4-(S)-(3-hydroxypropyl)-4-phenylbutane.

[0913] The most preferred potassium channel blockers of the claimed invention are: 8

[0914] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, diatereomer or enantiomer thereof. Generally, 3 to 10 micromolar of the potassium channel blocker is added in the well, preferable 3 to 5 micromolar.

[0915] An aspect of this embodiment is realized when the potassium channel blocker that selectively eliminates endogenous potassium conductances of the HEK-293 cells does so without affecting the maxi-K channel activity.

[0916] Still another preferred embodiment of this invention is realized when the HEK-293 cells are transfected with maxi-K channel alpha and beta 1 subunits before incubation with the potassium channel blocker.

[0917] The above method is used to identify maxi-K channel blockers, which are useful for lowering IOP. Under appropriate conditions, as described herein, the maxi-K channel sets the resting potential of the HEK-293 cells. Generally, addition of high-potassium solution causes the cells to depolarize and this activity can be monitored with fluorescence dyes using a voltage/ion probe reader (VIPR) instrument. Preincubation of the cells with an inhibitor of the maxi-K channel will lead to cell depolarization. Under these conditions, addition of the high-potassium solution will not cause any change in the emission properties of the fluorescence dyes because the cells are already predepolarized. Because HEK-293 cells have endogenous potassium conductances, these conductances have to be eliminated so that the maxi-K channel is the predominate one setting the resting potential at Ek. Elimination is achieved when the HEK-293 cells are incubated with a potassium channel blocker prior to adding a test compound. The consequence of this pharmacological manipulation is the generation of a very large screening window where the fluorescence signal denoting a hyperpolarized resting potential is abolished by selective maxi-K channel blockers.

[0918] Preferred potassium channel blockers are those that selectively eliminate the endogenous potassium conductances of the HEK-293 cells without affecting maxi-K channel activity. Untransfected HEK-293 cells are commercially available. The HEK-293 cells can be transfected as described herein.

[0919] The identification of inhibitors of the Maxi-K channel is based on the ability of expressed Maxi-K channels to set cellular resting potential after transfection of both alpha and betal subunits of the channel in HEK-293 cells and after being incubated with potassium channel blockers that selectively eliminate the endogenous potassium conductances of HEK-293 cells. In the absence of maxi-K channel inhibitors, the transfected HEK-293 cells display a hyperpolarized membrane potential, negative inside, close to EK (−80 mV) which is a consequence of the activity of the maxi-K channel. Blockade of the Maxi-K channel by incubation with maxi-K channel blockers will cause cell depolarization. Changes in membrane potential can be determined with voltage-sensitive fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) dye pairs that use two components, a donor coumarin (CC2DMPE) and an acceptor oxanol (DiSBAC2(3)).

[0920] Oxanol is a lipophilic anion and distributes across the membrane according to membrane potential. Under normal conditions, when the inside of the cell is negative with respect to the outside, oxanol is accumulated at the outer leaflet of the membrane and excitation of coumarin will cause FRET to occur. Conditions that lead to membrane depolarization will cause the oxanol to redistribute to the inside of the cell, and, as a consequence, to a decrease in FRET. Thus, the ratio change (donor/acceptor) increases after membrane depolarization, which determines if a test compound actively blocks the maxi-K channel.

[0921] The HEK-293 cells were obtained from the American Type Culture Collection, 12301 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, Md., 20852 under accession number ATCC CRL-1573. Any restrictions relating to public access to the cell lines shall be irrevocably removed upon patent issuance.

[0922] Transfection of the alpha and betal subunits of the maxi-K channel in HEK-293 cells was carried out as follows: HEK-293 cells were plated in 100 mm tissue culture treated dishes at a density of 3×106 cells per dish, and a total of five dishes were prepared. Cells were grown in a medium consisting of Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% Fetal Bovine serum, 1× L-Glutamine, and 1× Penicillin/Streptomycin, at 37° C., 10% CO2. For transfection with Maxi-K hα (pCIneo) and Maxi-K hβ1 (pIRESpuro) DNAs, 150 μl FuGENE6™ was added dropwise into 10 ml of serum free/phenol-red free DMEM and allowed to incubate at room temperature for 5 minutes. Then, the FuGENE6™ solution was added dropwise to a DNA solution containing 25 μg of each plasmid DNA, and incubated at room temperature for 30 minutes. After the incubation period, 2 ml of the FuGENE6™/DNA solution was added dropwise to each plate of cells and the cells were allowed to grow two days under the same conditions as described above. At the end of the second day, cells were put under selection media which consisted of DMEM supplemented with both 600 μg/ml G418 and 0.75 μg/ml puromycin. Cells were grown until separate colonies were formed. Five colonies were collected and transferred to a 6 well tissue culture treated dish. A total of 75 colonies were collected. Cells were allowed to grow until a confluent monolayer was obtained. Cells were then tested for the presence of maxi-K channel alpha and beta1 subunits using an assay that monitors binding of 125I-iberiotoxin-D19Y/Y36F to the channel. Cells expressing 125I-iberiotoxin-D19Y/Y36F binding activity were then evaluated in a functional assay that monitors the capability of maxi-K channels to control the membrane potential of transfected HEK-293 cells using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) ABS technology with a VIPR instrument. The colony giving the largest signal to noise ratio was subjected to limiting dilution. For this, cells were resuspended at approximately 5 cells/ml, and 200 μl were plated in individual wells in a 96 well tissue culture treated plate, to add ca. one cell per well. A total of two 96 well plates were made. When a confluent monolayer was formed, the cells were transferred to 6 well tissue culture treated plates. A total of 62 wells were transferred. When a confluent monolayer was obtained, cells were tested using the FRET-functional assay. Transfected cells giving the best signal to noise ratio were identified and used in subsequent functional assays.

[0923] 1. To measure binding of 125I-iberiotoxin-D19Y/Y36F to transfected HEK-293 cells, cells were plated in poly-D-lysine treated 96 wells at a density of 40,000 cells/well. Cells were grown overnight under selection medium. Then, the medium is removed and 200 μl of a solution containing about 70 pM 125I-iberiotoxin-D19Y/Y36F in selection medium is added per well. For determination of nonspecific binding the same medium also contained 100 nM unlabeled iberiotoxin. Cells are incubated with this solution for four hours at 37° C., 10% CO2. After incubation, radioactive medium is removed and cells are washed one time with D-PBS. Then, 200 μl of Microscint-20 is added to each well and radioactivity associated with the cells is determined in a Packard Topcount instrument.

[0924] The transfected cells (2E+06 Cells/mL) are then plated on 96-well poly-D-lysine plates at a density of about 100,000 cells/well and incubated for about 16 to about 24 hours. The medium is aspirated of the cells and the cells washed one time with 100 μl of Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (D-PBS). One hundred microliters of about 9 μM coumarin (CC2DMPE)-0.02% pluronic-127 in D-PBS per well is added and the wells are incubated in the dark for about 30 minutes. The cells are washed two times with 100 μl of Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline and 100 μl of about 4.5 μM of oxanol (DiSBAC2(3)) in (mM) 140 NaCl, 0.1 KCl, 2 CaCl2, 1 MgCl2, 20 Hepes-NaOH, pH 7.4, 10 glucose is added. Three micromolar of an inhibitor of endogenous potassium conductance of HEK-293 cells such as Compounds A or B is added. A maxi-K channel blocker is added (about 3 micromolar to about 10 micromolar) and the cells are incubated at room temperature in the dark for about 30 minutes.

[0925] The plates are loaded into a voltage/ion probe reader (VIPR) instrument, and the fluorescence emission of both CC2DMPE and DiSBAC2(3) are recorded for 10 sec. At this point, 100 μl of high-potassium solution (mM): 140 KCl, 2 CaCl2, 1 MgCl2, 20 Hepes-KOH, pH 7.4, 10 glucose are added and the fluorescence emission of both dyes recorded for an additional 10 sec. The ratio CC2DMPE/DiSBAC2(3), before addition of high-potassium solution equals 1. In the absence of maxi-K channel inhibitor, the ratio after addition of high-potassium solution varies between 1.65-2.0. When the Maxi-K channel has been completely inhibited by either a known standard such as compounds 1-6 or test compound, this ratio remains at 1. It is possible, therefore, to titrate the activity of a Maxi-K channel inhibitor by monitoring the concentration-dependent change in the fluorescence ratio.

[0926] Maxi-K channel blockers that can be used in the claimed method are those disclosed in Merck & Co., Inc. Attorney Docket number 20798PV, filed Jan. 30, 2001 under U.S. Serial No. 60/264,954, incorporated herein by reference and simultaneously with this application. U.S. Serial No. 60/176,695, filed Jan. 18, 2000 and U.S. Serial No. 60/176,694, filed Jan. 19, 2000, both incorporated herein by reference, also disclose maxi-K channel blockers that can be used in the claimed method. Examples of the maxi-K channel blockers that can be evaluated with this method are: 910

[0927] The process of this invention can be understood further by the following examples, which do not constitute a limitation of the invention.

EXAMPLE

[0928] HEK-293 cells were plated on 96-well poly-D-lysine plates and incubated for about 16 to 24 hours at 37° C. The media was aspirated and the cells were washed once with D-PBS. Cells were incubated with 9 μM coumarin (CC2DMPE)-0.02% pluronic-127 in D-PBS for 30 minutes in the dark. Cells were washed twice with D-PBS, and incubated with 4.5 μM oxanol (DiSBAC2(3)) in the absence (Control) or presence of increasing concentrations of test compound, in the dark for 30 minutes. Plates were loaded onto a VIPR instrument and the fluorescence emission of both dyes was recorded for 10 seconds. A solution containing high-potassium was then added and the fluorescence emission of the dyes was recorded for another 10 seconds. The coumarin/oxanol ratio was calculated under both conditions. Before addition of high-potassium, this ratio was always normalized to 1.

[0929] FIG. 1 shows the effect of high-potassium addition to HEK-293 cells. Control cells display a signal suggesting the presence of some potassium conductance that contributes to setting the resting potential of the cells. The signal is not affected by the presence of different concentrations of the selective maxi-K channel blocker, Compound 1. However, in the presence of either Compound A or Compound B there is a concentration-dependent inhibition of the fluorescence signal suggesting that those channels that contribute to setting the resting potential of the cells are sensitive to the presence of these agents. A useful concentration range for these agents is 3-10 μM. Importantly, in the presence of the selective maxi-K channel blocker Compound 1, the efficacy of either Compound A or Compound B is unaffected.

[0930] FIG. 2 shows the effect of the potassium channel blockers Compound A and Compound B on maxi-K channel activity using maxi-K channels transiently expressed in TsA-201 cells. The presence of 3 μM Compound 1 completely inhibits the control signal. However, neither Compound A, nor Compound B have any effect on maxi-K channel activity.

[0931] FIG. 3 shows the effect of the potassium channel blocker Compound A on maxi-K channel activity using HEK-293 cells stably transfected with both alpha and betal subunits of the maxi-K channel. The maxi-K channel blocker Compound 1 only partially blocks the signal generated by addition of a high-potassium solution suggesting that other potassium conductances, in addition to maxi-K channels, control the resting potential of the transfected HEK cells. However, in the presence of the potassium channel blocker Compound A, addition of Compound 1 causes complete inhibition of the signal. Importantly, Compound A has no significant effect on the magnitude of the signal caused by addition of high-potassium solution. These data indicate that by blocking the endogenous potassium conductances of HEK cells with the potassium channel blockers, the maxi-K channel becomes the only contributor to the control of cell resting potential of the transfected cells.

[0932] FIG. 4 shows representative fluorescence traces obtained in the VIPR instrument with HEK-293 cells stably transfected with both alpha and betal subunits of the maxi-K channel. Recordings from twelve different wells are shown. The horizontal scale represents time, whereas the vertical axis shows the fluorescence readings of both coumarin (460 nm) and oxanol (580 nm). The ratio coumarin/oxanol is also indicated. In all wells, 3 μM Compound A was present to block endogenous potassium conductances of HEK cells. Addition of increasing concentrations of the selective maxi-K channel blocker, Compound 1, causes a concentration-dependent inhibition of the control signal. This assay can thus be used to identify inhibitors of the maxi-K channel.

Claims

1. A method for identifying maxi-K channel blockers, which are useful for lowering IOP, comprising using HEK-293 cells stably transfected with alpha and beta 1 subunits of the maxi-K channel.

2. A method for identifying maxi-K channel blockers, which are useful for lowering IOP, using HEK-293 cells, comprising the steps of: (a) constructing stable HEK-293 cell lines expressing both alpha and beta 1 subunits of the maxi-K channel; (b) incubating the HEK-293 cells with an inhibitor of endogenous potassium conductance of HEK-293 cells; (c) loading the incubated HEK-293 cells with a test compound and incubating; and (d) measuring the maxi-K channel blocker activity of the test compound using a voltage/ion probe reader (VIPR) instrument and FRET based membrane potential sensing dyes to monitor membrane potential.

3. A method in accordance with claim 2 wherein the inhibitor of endogenous potassium conductance of HEK-293 cells is a potassium channel blocker.

4. A method in accordance with claim 3 wherein the potassium channel blocker selectively eliminates the endogenous potassium conductance of HEK-293 cells.

5. A method in accordance with claim 4 wherein the potassium channel blocker is a compound of structural formula I

6. A method according to claim 5 wherein compound of formula I is further defined as in the compound of Formula II wherein x is 2 and y is 1.

7. A compound in accordance with claim 7 wherein a is further defined as a single bond; R1, R2, R6 and R7 are independently: (1) halo, wherein halo is fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo, (2) hydroxy, (3) (C1-C6)-alkyl, (4) HO(C1-C6)-alkyloxy, (5) (C1-C6)-alkyloxy, wherein the alkyl is cyclic or straight-chained, (6) acetoxy, (7) nitro, (8) NR8R9, (9) —(O)r(C0-C3)-aryl, wherein aryl is phenyl or naphthyl unsubstituted or substituted with up to three substitutents selected from(C1-C3)alkyl, trifluoromethyl, and halo, (10) hydrogen, (11) (O)r—CF3, (12) (C1-C6)-alkyl-S(O)n—, wherein n is 0, 1, 2 or 3, (13) (CO2)—(C1-C6)-alkyl, (14) —(O)r-heteroaryl, wherein heteroaryl is pyridinyl or pyrryl, (15) (CO)-aryl, wherein aryl is phenyl, naphthyl, benzothienyl, or benzophenone radical and is unsubstituted or substituted with up to two substituents selected from halo, trifluromethyl, and (C1-C3)alkyl, (16) —(CH2)—O—N═C(CH3)(aryl), wherein aryl is phenyl, unsubstituted or substituted with up to three halogen substituents, (17) —S(O)n—NR8R9, or (18) R1 and R2 or R6 and R7 can an be taken together to form a fused benzo, dihydrofuranyl, furanyl, pyrrolidyl, dihydropyrrolidyl or 1,3-dioxolan group; R3 and R4 are independently: (1) halo, wherein halo is fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo, (2) hydroxy, (3) HO(C1-C6)-alkyloxy, (4) (C═O)O(C1-C6)-alkyl, (5) O(CO)CCl3, (6) (C1-C6)-alkyl-S(O)n—, wherein n is 0, 1, 2 or 3, (7) CH2CO2—(C1-C6)-alkyl, (8) cyano, (9) benzyloxy, (10) CH2OAc, (11) OAc, (12) (C2-C6)-alkenyl, (13) (C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein alkyl can be unsubstituted or substituted with bromide (14) NR8R9, (15) O(CO)NR8R9, (16) azido, (17) NR8(CO)NR8R9, (18) hydrogen, (19) CH2OH, (20) CH2O(C═O)phenyl, wherein phenyl is unsubstituted or monosubstituted with methoxy, (21) O(C2-C6)-alkenyl, (22) O(C═O)-phenyl, wherein phenyl is unsubstituted or monosubstituted with bromide, (23) O(C═O)O-phenyl, wherein phenyl is unsubstituted or monosubstituted with nitro, (24) CH2(CO)NR8R9, (25) O(C═O)O—(C2-C6)-alkenyl, (26) O(C═O)—(C1-C3)-alkyl, wherein the alkyl can be unsubstituted or substituted with bromide or —CO2CH3, (27) O(C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein alkyl can be unsubstituted or substituted with phenyl, (28) O(C═O)O—(C1-C6)-alkyl, (29) CH2O(CO)NR8R9, or (30) CH2(C═O)O—(C1-C6)-alkyl, R3 can also be any of the following when R4 is absent: (31) oxo, (32) ═CH2, (33) ═CH—CO2—(C1-C6)-alkyl, (34) ═CH—(CO)—NR8R9, or (35) ═CH—CO2H, or R3 and R4 can be taken together to form a spiro-fused heterocyclyl group, wherein heterocyclyl is defined as: (36) oxirane, (37) 1,3-dioxolan, (38) 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan, or (39) glycol sulfite, or R3 and R5 can be taken together to form a fused oxirane; R5 is: (1) hydrogen, (2) halogen, (3) (C2-C6)-alkenyl, (4) hydroxy, (5) O(C═O)(C1-C3)-alkyl, (6) O(CO) NR8R9, (7) oxo, when a is a single bond, or R5 and R3 can be taken together to form a fused oxirane when a is a single bond; R8 and R9 are independently selected from the group consisting of: (1) hydrogen, (2) (C═O)O(C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein alkyl is optionally substituted with phenyl or methoxy, (3) (C═O)phenyl, wherein phenyl is optionally substituted with bromide or methoxy, (4) (C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein alkyl is optionally substituted with phenyl, methoxy, hydroxy, OCH2OCH3, benzylSO3, phenylSO3, or carboxymethyl, (5) (C2-C6)-alkenyl, (6) (C═O)O-phenyl, wherein phenyl is optionally substituted with nitro, (7) (C═O)O(C2-C6)-alkenyl, (8) (C═O)(C1-C3)-alkyl, wherein alkyl is optionally substituted with phenyl, (9) (C═O)(C2-C4)-alkenyl, (10) phenyl, (11) SO2-phenyl, (12) SO2-benzyl, (13) CH2(CO)CH3, (14) CH2(CO)NH-benzyl, (15) CH2(CO)NH-allyl, (16) CH2(CO)N(CH3)2, (17) CH2(CO)NH(CH3), 14(24) CH2CH2NHCO2(C1-C3)alkyl, (25) CH2CH20(CO)NHCH3, (26) CH2CH2O(CO)NH-allyl, (27) CH2CH2NH(SO2)CH3, (28) CH2CH2NH2, (29) CH2CH2NH(CO)CH2CH3, and (30) benzyl; R10 is: (1) hydrogen, (2) (C═O)phenyl, wherein phenyl is unsubstituted or substituted with F, Cl, Br, or I, or (3) (C1-C3)-alkyl.

8. A method in accordance with claim 4 wherein the potassium channel blocker is a compound of structural formula III:

9. A method according to claim 7 wherein R1, R2, R5, R6 and R7 of formula III are independently: (1) halo, wherein halo is fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo, (2) hydroxy, (3) (C1-C3)-alkyl, (4) (C2-C3)-alkenyl, (5) O(C1-C4)-alkyl, wherein the alkyl may be cyclic or straight-chained, (6) O(CO)CH3, (7) CO(C1-C3)-alkyl, (8) CO2(C1-C3)-alkyl, (9) hydrogen, (10) R1 and R2 or R6 and R7 can an be taken together when on adjacent carbons to form a fused benzo, dihydrofuranyl, furanyl, pyrrolidyl, dihydropyrrolidyl or 1,3-dioxolan group; R3 and R4 are independently: (1) hydrogen, (2) (C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein alkyl includes cyclic as well as acyclic groups and is unsubstituted or substituted with one or two of the substituents selected from the group consisting of: (a) halo, wherein halo is fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo, (b) hydroxy, (c) oxo, (d) O[(C═O)Or]s(C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein r and s are independently 0 or 1, (e) CO2(C2-C3)-alkenyl, (f) O[(C═O)Or]s(C1-C6)-alkenyl, wherein r and s are independently 0 or 1, (g) NR8R9, (h) O(CO)NR8R9, (i) CHO, (j) CO2H, (k) CO(C1-C6)-alkyl, (l) CO2(C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein alkyl may be substituted with phenyl, (m) CONR8R9, (n) aryl, wherein aryl is defined as phenyl, unsubstituted or substituted with a substituent selected from the group consisting of: (a′) halo, as defined above, (b′) hydroxy, (c′) (C1-C6)-alkyl, and (d′) (C1-C6)-alkyloxy, and (o) O[(C═O)Or]s(C2-C6)-alkenyl, wherein r and s are independently 0 or 1, (3) (C2-C6)-alkenyl, (4) aryl, wherein aryl is as defined above or (5) O(CH2)naryl, wherein aryl is as defined above; R3 can also be any of the following when R4 is absent: (6) ═CH—(C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein alkyl is as defined above, (7) ═CH—(C2-C6)-alkenyl, wherein alkenyl is as defined above, R8 and R9 are independently selected from the group consisting of: (1) hydrogen, (2) [(C═O)Or]saryl, wherein aryl is as defined above and r and s are independently 0 or 1, (3) (C2-C8)-alkenyl, wherein alkenyl is as defined above,and (4) (C1-C6)-alkyl, wherein alkyl is as defined above, and R10 is: (1) hydrogen, or (2) (C═O)(C1-C3)-alkyl, wherein alkyl is as defined above.

10. A method according to claim 4 wherein the potassium channel blocker is: trans 1-(N-ethylcarbamoyloxy)-4-phenyl-4-(3-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-2-azaprop1-1yl)cyclohexane, trans 1-(N-allylcarbamoyloxy)-4-phenyl-4-(3-(2-hydroxy-5-fluorophenyl)-3-oxo-2-azaprop-1-yl)cyclohexane, trans 1-(N-n-propylcarbamoyloxy)-4-phenyl-4-(3-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-2-azaprop-1-yl)cyclohexane, trans 1-(N-methylcarbamoyloxy)-4-phenyl-4-(3-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-2-azaprop-1-yl)cyclohexane, trans 1-(N-allylcarbamoyloxy)-4-phenyl-4-(3-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-2-azapropyl)cyclohexane, 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-oxo-2-aza-(S)-4-i-butyl-4-phenylbutane, 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-oxo-2-aza-4-(S)-((3-allyloxycarbonyloxy)propyl))4-phenylbutane, 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-oxo-2-aza-4,4-diethyl-4-phenylbutane, 1-(2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-7-yl)-1-oxo-2-aza4,4-diethyl-4-(phenyl)-butane, and 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-oxo-2-aza-4-(S)-(3-hydroxypropyl)4-phenylbutane.

11. A method according to claim 4 wherein the potassium channel blocker is:

12. A method for measuring the maxi-K channel blocking activity of a compound, comprises the steps of: (a) plating the HEK-293 cells (2E+06 Cells/mL) on 96-well poly-D-lysine plates at a density of about 100,000 cells/well; (b) incubating the plates for about 16 to about 24 hours; (c) aspirating medium off the cells; (d) washing the cells 1 time with Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (D-PBS); (e) adding 100 μl of 9 μM coumarin (CC2DMPE) dye-0.02% pluronic-127 in D-PBS per well; (f) incubating in the dark for about 30 minutes; (g) washing the cells 2 times with Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (D-PBS); (h) adding 100 μl of 4.5 μM oxanol (DiSBAC2(3)) dye in (mM): 140 NaCl, 0.1 KCl, 2 CaCl2, 1 MgCl2, 20 Hepes-NaOH, pH at about 7.4, 10 glucose per well; (i) adding an inhibitor of endogenous potassium conductance of HEK-293 cells; (j) adding a test compound; (k) incubating at room temperature for about 30 minutes; (l) loading the plates on to a voltage/ion probe reader and recording fluorescence emission of both dyes for about 10 seconds; (m) adding 100 μl of high-potassium solution ( in mM): 140 KCl, 2 CaCl2, 1 MgCl2, 20 Hepes-KOH, pH at about 7.4, 10 glucose; and recording fluoresence emission of both dyes for 10 about seconds and determining membrane potential from those data using a voltage/ion probe reader (VIPR) instrument.

13. A method in accordance with claim 11 wherein the inhibitor of endogenous potassium conductance of HEK-293 cells is a potassium channel blocker.

14. A method in accordance with claim 12 wherein the potassium channel blocker selectively eliminates the endogenous potassium conductance of HEK-293 cells.

15. A method in accordance with claim 13 wherein the potassium channel blocker is selected from the group consisting of trans 1-(N-ethylcarbamoyloxy)-4-phenyl-4-(3-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-2-azaprop1-1yl)cyclohexane, trans 1-(N-allylcarbamoyloxy)-4-phenyl-4-(3-(2-hydroxy-5-fluorophenyl)-3-oxo-2-azaprop-1-yl)cyclohexane, trans 1-(N-n-propylcarbamoyloxy)-4-phenyl-4-(3-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-2-azaprop-1-yl)cyclohexane, trans 1-(N-methylcarbamoyloxy)-4-phenyl-4-(3-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-2-azaprop-1-yl)cyclohexane, trans 1-(N-allylcarbamoyloxy)4-phenyl-4-(3-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-2-azapropyl)cyclohexane, 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-oxo-2-aza-(S)-4-i-butyl4-phenylbutane, 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-oxo-2-aza-4-(S)-((3-allyloxycarbonyloxy)propyl))-4-phenylbutane, 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-oxo-2-aza-4,4-diethyl4-phenylbutane, 1-(2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-7-yl)-1-oxo-2-aza-4,4-diethyl-4-(phenyl)-butane, and 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-oxo-2-aza-4-(S)-(3-hydroxypropyl)-4-phenylbutane.

16. A method according to claim 14 which is:

17. A method according to claim 15 wherein the potassium channel blocker that selectively eliminates endogenous potassium conductances of the HEK-293 cells does so without affecting the maxi-K channel activity.