Structure-activity relationship studies of CNS agents. Part 29. N-Methylpiperazino-substituted derivatives of quinazoline, phthalazine and quinoline as novel α1, 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor ligands

New N-methylpiperazino-substituted quinazolines 8 and 9, phthalazine 13, and quinoline 19 have been synthesized. The receptor binding profiles (α₁, 5-HT_1A, 5-HT_2A) of these compounds and their analogs (7–22) have been determined. It has been demonstrated that orientation of a local dipole moment of the heteroaromatic ring system affects both the α₁ and 5-HT_2A affinity of the investigated class of ligands. Distortion of the coplanar unfused heteroaromatic ring system results in a decreased 5-HT_2A affinity. 4-(4-Methylpiperazino)-2-(2-thienyl)quinoline 18 is the most active and selective α₁ ligand (K_i = 4.9 nM) with a much lower affinity for 5-HT_1A (K_i = 3420 nM) and 5-HT_2A (K_i = 211 nM) receptors.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of potential 5-HT(7) receptor PET radiotracers

Brain serotonin 7 receptor (5-HT₇) is involved in several mood disorders and drug candidates targeting this subtype are currently in development. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a molecular imaging modality offering great promise for accelerating the process from preclinical discovery to clinical phases. As no PET radiopharmaceutical has yet been used successfully to study the 5-HT₇ receptor in vivo, our objective is to develop the first 5-HT₇ fluorine-18 labeled radiotracer.Four structural analogs of SB269970, a specific 5-HT₇ receptor antagonist, divided in FP3 series and FPMP series were synthesized. Their antagonist effects were investigated by cellular functional assay. Nitro-precursors of these analogs were radiolabeled via a [¹⁸F⁻]nucleophilic substitution and in vitro autoradiographies were performed in rat brain.Chemical and radiochemical purities of fluorine radiotracers were >99% with specific activities in 40-129 GBq/μmole range. The four derivates presented antagonism potencies toward 5-HT₇ receptors (pK_B) between 7.8 and 8.8. The four PET radiotracers had suitable characteristic for 5-HT₇ receptor probing in vitro even if the FP3 series seemed to be more specific for this receptor. These results encourage us to pursue in vivo studies.     

5-HT1A Receptors in the Frontal Cortical Brain Areas in Cloninger Type 1 and 2 Alcoholics Measured by Whole-Hemisphere Autoradiography

Aims: The Cloninger type 1 alcoholics are prone to anxiety,and in many cases patients have begun to use alcohol in orderto relieve their anxiety. We have previously reported a decreaseof the serotonin transporter density in the perigenual anteriorcingulate cortex (pACC) in type 1 alcoholics. The 5-HT_1A receptorsare the binding sites for anxiolytic drug buspirone. We aimedto investigate the alteration in the density of 5-HT_1A receptors,that may also alter the effect of serotonin in the pACC in alcoholics.Methods: The density of the serotonin receptor 5-HT_1A amongCloninger type 1 and 2 alcoholics (nine and eight subjects,respectively) and 10 control subjects were determined by postmortemwhole-hemisphere autoradiography with WAY-100635. Results: Substantiallysparser 5-HT_1A (by –31%, P = 0.010) density was observedin the pACC of alcoholic subjects in relation to non-alcoholiccomparison subjects. In a secondary analysis for the differencebetween the alcoholic subtypes and controls, the 5-HT_1A densitywas decreased significantly by –32% (P = 0.015) in theupper level of pACC in type 1 alcoholics. Conclusions: The detecteddecrease of 5-HT_1A receptor density on the pACC suggests furtherthat the serotoninergic system is defected in the so-calledaffect region, especially in the type 1 alcoholics.     

Novel 4-aryl-pyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidines with dual SSRI and 5-HT1A activity: Part 2

Derivatives of 4-aryl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-pyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine were synthesized. These compounds contain the 3-(4-piperidyl)-1H-indole residue or its 5-methoxy or 2-methyl derivative. In vitro binding tests were performed to determine the affinity of the compounds for the 5-HT_1A receptor and serotonin transporter (SERT) proteins in the rat brain cortex. In vivo studies, particularly the inducible hypothermia test and forced swimming test, were conducted to determine agonistic/antagonistic activity with pre- and postsynaptic 5-HT_1A receptors. Molecular modeling techniques were used to determine the binding modes of the selected compounds at the 5-HT_1A receptor and SERT. The SAR analysis showed that the presence of the 3-(4-piperidyl)-1H-indole group or its 5-methoxy derivative, as well as a para substitution with –OCH₃ or –F in the aryl ring of 4-aryl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-pyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine, results in an increased affinity for both the 5-HT_1A receptors and SERT. In contrast, the presence of the 2-methyl-3-(4-piperidyl)-1H-indole group resulted in a considerable decrease in binding affinity.     

1-Aryl-5-(1H-pyrrol-1-yl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide: an effective scaffold for the design of either CB1 or CB2 receptor ligands

New 1-aryl-5-(1H-pyrrol-1-yl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamides were synthesized as cannabinoid (CB) receptor ligands. Compound 11 (CB₁K_i = 2.3 nM, CB₁ SI = 163.6) showed CB₁ receptor affinity and selectivity superior to Rimonabant and AM251. Acute administration of 2 mg/kg 11 reduced sucrose, but not regular food, intake in rats. On the other hand, compound 23 (CB₂K_i = 0.51 nM, CB₂ SI = 30.0) showed significant affinity and selectivity for the CB₂ receptor. The results presented here show that the 1-aryl-5-(1H-pyrrol-1-yl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide may serve as an effective scaffold for the design of either CB₁ or CB₂ receptor ligands.     

Synthesis and pharmacological properties of novel benzamide derivatives acting as ligands to the 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 (5-HT4) receptor

Aseries of 4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxy-N-(1-substituted piperidin-4-ylmethyl)benzamides was synthesized as novel gastroprokinetic agents. The affinity of these compounds for the 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 (5-HT₄) receptor was evaluated. Among these compounds, 4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxy-N-[1-[5-(1-methylindol-3-ylcarbonylamino)pentyl]piperidin-4-ylmethyl]benzamide (3f, Y-34959) showed a higher affinity for the 5-HT₄ receptor (Ki = 0.30 nmol/L) than for other receptors, and was confirmed to be a potent 5-HT₄ receptor agonist having contractile effects in the isolated guinea-pig ascending colon (EC₅₀ = 1.2 nmol/L). In dogs, compound 3f increased gastroprokinetic motility of both the gastric antrum and the ascending colon. In addition, this effect on the colon was inhibited by azasetron, a selective 5-HT₃ receptor antagonist, demonstrating that the effect of gastroprokinetic agents having 5-HT₃ receptor antagonism on the colon were reduced compared with that of selective 5-HT₄ receptor agonists.     

Synthesis and structural investigation of some pyrimido[5,4-c]quinolin-4(3H)-one derivatives with a long-chain arylpiperazine moiety as potent 5-HT(1A/2A) and 5-HT(7) receptor ligands

A series of new pyrimido[5,4-c]quinolin-4(3H)-ones with variable length of the spacer between amide and 4-arylpiperazine moiety were prepared to further explore the role of a terminal portion in the serotonergic activity. The majority of compounds demonstrated high in vitro affinity for 5-HT_1A receptor, and moderate-to-low affinity for 5-HT_2A and 5-HT₇ receptors. X-ray analysis, two-dimensional NMR, conformational studies and docking into the 5-HT_1A receptor model were conducted to investigate conformational preferences of selected 5-HT_1A receptor ligands in different environments. The extended conformation of tetramethylene derivatives was found in a solid state, in DMSO (for a protonated form) and as a global energy minimum during conformational analysis in simulated water environment. Ligand geometry in top-scored complexes, obtained by docking to a set of 100 receptor models, were either fully extended or with central spacer torsion in synclinal conformation.     

Novel 4-aryl-pyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidines with dual SSRI and 5-HT(1A) activity. part 3

A number of 4-aryl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine with 3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-pyridin-4-yl)-1H-indole or 2-methyl-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-pyridin-4-yl)-1H-indole residues were synthesized for further investigation of SAR in a group of pyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine derivatives with dual 5-HT_1A/SERT activity. Compounds 8a-8p were found to be potent ligands for both 5-HT_1A and SERT with K_i ranging from 28,3 to 642 nM and 42,4 nM-1,8 μM, respectively. Moreover compounds 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e and 8g were found to be selective agonists, while 8i as an antagonist of 5-HT_1A presynaptic receptors in the inducible hypothermia test in mice.     

Synthesis and biological activity of novel N-cycloalkyl-(cycloalkylaryl)-2-[(3-R-2-oxo-2H-[1,2,4]triazino[2,3-c]quinazoline-6-yl)thio]acetamides

In this paper the novel N-cycloalkyl-(cycloalkylaryl)-2-[(3-R-2-oxo-2H-[1,2,4]triazino[2,3-c]quinazoline-6-yl)thio]acetamides synthesis by aminolysis of activated by thionyl chloride or carbonyldiimidazole [(3-R-2-oxo-2H-[1,2,4]triazino[2,3-c]quinazolin-6-yl)-thio]acetic acids and alkylation of the 3-R-6-thio-6,7-dihydro-2H-[1,2,4]triazino[2,3-c]quinazoline-2-ones potassium salts with N-cycloalkyl-(cycloalkylaryl)-2-chloroacetamides are proposed. The structures of compounds are determined by ¹H, ¹³C NMR, LC-MS and EI-MS analysis. The in vitro anticancer, antibacterial activity and Photobacterium leiognathi Sh1 bioluminescence inhibition of synthesized compounds were revealed. SAR results were discussed. Compound 4.10 was found to be the most anticancer active one, selectively influenced on the non-small cell lung and CNS cancer cell lines, especially on the HOP-92 (log GI₅₀ = −6.01) and U251 (log GI₅₀ = −6.00).     

Alcohol drinking in rats treated with 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine: Effect of 8-OH-DPAT and tropisetron (ICS 205-930)

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) was administered ICV to Wistar male rats. Lesioned rats displayed higher preference for ETOH than sham-lesioned animals. Among 5,7-DHT-pretreated rats 38% became high-preferring, while only 22% of sham-lesioned rats displayed this behavioural pattern (p < 0.05). Both 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT; the agonist of serotonin 5-HT_1A receptors) and tropisetron (ICS 205-930, the antagonist of 5-HT₃ receptors) reduced ETOH consumption in high-preferring, sham-lesioned rats. However, in 5,7-DHT rats the effect of 8-OH-DPAT was completely abolished, while tropisetron retained its antipreference activity. Therefore, it seems that 5-HT_1A autoreceptors are critically involved in 8-OH-DPAT action, while 5-HT₃ receptor sites responsible for tropisetron action are located beyond the 5-HT system.     

Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of novel 3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-carbohydrazide derivatives

A series of novel 3-(1H-indole-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-carbohydrazide derivatives 4Ia–n, 4IIa–b and 6 were prepared by hydrazinolysis of ethyl 3-(1H-indole-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxylate with hydrazine hydrate in excellent yields. These new compounds were fully characterized by spectroscopic methods, and the important intermediates 3Ie, 3IIc and 3IId were further confirmed by X-ray crystallography. All the new compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against 4 human cancer cell lines by MTT method. Some of them exhibited more potent antiproliferative activity against HepG-2, BGC823 and BT474 cell lines than the positive drug 5-fluorourcail. Flow cytometry analysis showed that 4Ik and 4Il arrested the cell cycle at S phase.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of (2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)-2H-chromen-2-ones as free radical scavengers

The allylation of aminocoumarins in the presence of excess of anhydrous K₂CO₃ and allyl bromide to diallylaminocoumarins is described. The Ring Closing Metathesis reaction of the later with the Grubbs’ 1rst generation catalyst under reflux or MW irradiation has resulted mainly to (2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)coumarins and (1H-pyrrol-1-yl)coumarins. The new compounds were tested in vitro for their ability: (i) to interact with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) stable free radical, (ii) to inhibit lipid peroxidation, (iii) to scavenge the superoxide anion, (iv) to inhibit the activity of soybean lipoxygenase LO and (v) to scavenge hydroxyl radicals. Most of them were found to be potent lipid peroxidation inhibitors in vitro. The majority of the compounds showed significant hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Compounds 11a and 12c presenting higher LO inhibitory activity as well as compound 17 were found to present a promising antioxidant and LO inhibitory profile.     

Synthesis, dopamine D2 receptor binding studies and docking analysis of 5-[3-(4-arylpiperazin-1-yl)propyl]-1H-benzimidazole, 5-[2-(4-arylpiperazin-1-yl)ethoxy]-1H-benzimidazole and their analogs

5-[3-(4-Arylpiperazin-1-yl)propyl]-1H-benzimidazoles and 5-[2-(4-arylpiperazin-1-yl)ethoxy]-1H-benzimidazoles were synthesized and their affinity for the D1, D2 and 5-HT1A receptors examined. They expressed a rather high affinity for the D2 dopamine receptor. The main features of ligand-D2 receptor interactions revealed by docking analyses were: salt bridge between piperazine ring protonated N1 and Asp 86, hydrogen bonds of ligand bezimidazole part with Ser 141, Ser 122 and His 189, edge-to-face interactions of arylpiperazine aromatic ring with Phe 178, Tyr 216 and Trp 182 and hydrogen bond between ethereal oxygen in ethylenoxy ligands and hydrogen of Phe 185 or Trp 115. The most active 5-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]ethoxy]-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazole-2-thione (27) has a maximal number of attractive interactions. A satisfactory correlation between docking of the compounds into the D2 receptor and competition binding results was observed.     

New 3-[4-(aryl)piperazin-1-yl]-1-(benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)propane derivatives with dual action at 5-HT1A serotonin receptors and serotonin transporter as a new class of antidepressants

A series of new 3-[4-(aryl)piperazin-1-yl]-1-(benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)propane derivatives were synthesized in an attempt to find a new class of antidepressant drugs with dual activity at 5-HT1A serotonin receptors and serotonin transporter. Title compounds were evaluated for in vitro activity on 5-HT1A receptor and 5-HT transporter. They show high nanomolar affinity for both activities, and in particular, compounds 1-(5-chlorobenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)-3-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]propan-1-ol (7) and 1-(5-fluorobenzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)-3-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]propan-1-ol (8) show values (nM) of K(i)=30 and 2.3 for 5-HT1A receptors and K(i)=30 and 12 for serotonin transporters, respectively. In GTPgammaS binding assays, compound 8 revealed antagonist properties to 5-HT1A receptors. Such a pharmacological profile could lead to potent antidepressant agents with new dual mechanism of action.     

Synthesis, binding properties and receptor docking of 4-halo-6-[2-(4-arylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazoles, mixed ligands of D2 and 5-HT1A receptors

In this publication we are describing synthesis, binding properties, and receptor docking of 4-halo-6-[2-(4-arylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazoles, a new compounds with potential antipsychotics properties. Affinity towards the dopamine D(1)-like and D(2)-like, and serotonin 5-HT(1A) receptors was evaluated using the radioligand binding assays. All compounds tested had affinity for the D(2)-like and 5-HT(1A) receptors, but were inactive towards the D(1)-like receptor. Halogenated 6-[2-(4-arylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazoles showed higher affinity compared to their nonhalogenated congeners. In silico docking analysis of selected ligands was performed in order to explain the results of binding assays. Our analysis suggests that stabilizing interactions between the halogen atom at the benzimidazole ring and the Ser-122 of the D(2)-like and Trp-358 of the 5-HT(1A) receptor. Energy contributions for these interactions were calculated using the ab initio method.     

Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial activity of 2-[1-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-5-(substituted-phenyl)-[1,3,4]oxadiazoles

In the present investigation a series of novel 2-[1-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-5-(substituted-phenyl)-[1,3,4]oxadiazoles (4a–j) were synthesized by cyclization of substituted-benzoic acid N′-[1-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-5-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonyl]-hydrazide by using phosphorousoxychloride at 120 °C. The chemical structure of the newly synthesized compounds was characterized by analytical and spectral (IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and LC–MS) methods. The title compounds were screened for qualitative (zone of inhibition) and quantitative antibacterial activity (MIC) by agar cup plate and microtitration methods, respectively. Among the synthesized compounds in this series compound 2-[1-(5-chloro-2-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (4b) was found to exhibit significant antibacterial activity with MICs of 22.4, 29.8, 29.6 and 30.0 μg/mL against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, respectively. The other compounds exhibited moderate activity when compared to standard substance Ampicillin.     

Alcohol drinking in rats injected ICV with 6-OHDA: Effect of 8-OHDPAT and tropisetron (ICS 205930)

6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) was administered ICV to Wistar male rats. Lesioned animals displayed lower preference for ethanol (ETOH) than sham-operated rats. Among 6-OHDA lesioned rats only 9% became high-preferring whereas 20% of sham-operated animals became high-preferring ones. Both tropisetron (the antagonist of 5-HT₃ receptors) and 8-OHDPAT (the 5-HT_1A receptor agonist) reduced ETOH drinking in high-preferring rats. However, in 6-OHDA lesioned rats the effect of tropisetron was reduced although 8-OHDA retained its effect on ETOH consumption. These results suggest that brain DA neurons are involved in tropisetron action but are not responsible for antipreference effect of 8-OHDPAT.     

Preparation and pharmacological evaluation of a novel series of 2-(phenylthio)benzo[b]thiophenes as selective MT2 receptor ligands

A series of N-(2-(5-fluoro-2-(4-fluorophenylthio)benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)ethyl)acylamides was synthesized and evaluated for binding affinity and intrinsic activity at melatonin receptors. The affinity of each compound for the melatonin receptors was determined by binding studies on cloned human MT₁ and MT₂ receptors expressed in CHO cells. Agonist and antagonist potency was measured on the [³⁵S]GTPγS binding assay for the most interesting compounds. The new derivatives 8-14 showed modest to high selectivity (between 4 and 220) for MT₂ receptors. The most selective compound, N-(2-(5-fluoro-2-(4-fluorophenylthio)benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)ethyl)but-3-enamide (14), an MT₂ ligand with affinity for the MT₂ receptor similar to that of melatonin and a 220-fold preference over MT₁ receptors, acts as a partial agonist. In addition, N-(2-(5-fluoro-2-(4-fluorophenylthio)benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)ethyl)propionamide (9), a nanomolar MT₂ ligand with a good selectivity ratio (MT₁/MT₂ = 51) shows antagonist activity on both melatonin receptors.     

Diamine-based human histamine H3 receptor antagonists: (4-Aminobutyn-1-yl)benzylamines

A series of (4-aminobutyn-1-yl)benzylamines were prepared and the SAR around three key areas: (1) the amine attached to the butynyl linker (R³R⁴N–); (2) the benzylamine moiety (R¹R²N–); and (3) the point of attachment of the benzylamine group (R¹R²N– in the ortho, meta, or para positions) was examined. One compound, 4-[3-(4-piperidin-1-yl-but-1-ynyl)-benzyl]-morpholine (9s) was chosen for further profiling and found to be a selective histamine H₃ antagonist with desirable drug-like properties. Ex vivo receptor occupancy studies established that 9s does occupy H₃ binding sites in the brain of rats after oral administration. Subcutaneous doses of 9s (10 mg/kg) given during the natural sleep phase demonstrated robust wake-promoting effects.     

Design, synthesis and antiepileptic properties of novel 1-(substituted benzylidene)-3-(1-(morpholino/piperidino methyl)-2,3-dioxoindolin-5-yl)urea derivatives

Twenty new 1-(substituted benzylidene)-3-(1-(morpholino/piperidino methyl)-2,3-dioxoindolin-5-yl) urea derivatives were designed and synthesized. Antiepileptic screening was performed using MES and scPTZ seizures tests. The neurotoxicity was determined by rotorod test. In the preliminary screening, compounds 5c, 5g, 5j and 5n were found active in MES model, while 5o showed significant antiepileptic activity in scPTZ model. Further all these five compounds were administered orally to rats, 5c, 5g and 5n showed better activity than Phenytoin in oral route. Among these compounds 5c revealed protection in MES at a dose of 30 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg 0.5 h and 4 h after i.p. administration respectively. This molecule provided also protection in the scPTZ at a dose of 300 mg/kg in both time intervals.