Synthesis and biological activities of photoaffinity labeling analogues of substance P

Substance P (Arg-Pro-Lys-Pro-Gln-Gln-Phe-Phe-Gly-Leu-MetNH2, SP) is an undecapeptide with important properties as a neurotransmitter and with other functions. No specific antagonists and no long-acting analogues of this peptide hormone are known to date. In order to reach these goals, analogues of SP have been prepared which contain potential affinity, as well as photoaffinity labeling functions, suitable for irreversible attachment to SP receptors. We report here the synthesis of SP analogues which have the Phe residues in positions 7 or 8 replaced with (4'-NO2)Phe, (4'-NH2)Phe, (4'-N2+)Phe, and (4'-N3)Phe. Some of these peptides are used for photoaffinity labeling studies using various bioassays. The synthesis of the (NO2)Phe-containing peptide was carried out on solid phase using Nle instead of Met and the Boc strategy up to residue 4; the remaining amino acids were added using an Fmoc strategy. The protected undecapetide was cleaved by ammonolysis, purified by chromatography on silica gel with chloroform/methanol and deprotected afterwards. The amino, diazonium, and azido peptides were obtained in this sequence by chemical modification of the nitro peptides. On guinea pig ileum the modified peptides in position 8 had close to maximal activity, whereas modifications in position 7 produced some reduced activity, especially the nitro modification. No diazonium peptide produced any irreversible effects on guinea pig ileum. Photoinactivation studies were carried out on strips of guniea pig trachea, but no irreversible effects have been observed, neither permanent stimulation nor permanent inactivation. The biological activities and effects are discussed in view of the molecular properties of the synthesized analogues.