RS-102221: a novel high affinity and selective, 5-HT2C receptor antagonist.

The 5-HT2C receptor is one of three closely related receptor subtypes in the 5-HT2 receptor family. 5-HT2A and 5-HT2B selective antagonists have been described. However, no 5-HT2C selective antagonists have yet been disclosed. As part of an effort to further explore the function of 5-HT2C receptors, we have developed a selective 5-HT2C receptor antagonist, RS-102221 (a benzenesulfonamide of 8-[5-(5-amino-2,4-dimethoxyphenyl) 5-oxopentyl]-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decane-2,4-dione). This compound exhibited nanomolar affinity for human (pKi = 8.4) and rat (pKi = 8.5) 5-HT2C receptors. The compound also demonstrated nearly 100-fold selectivity for the 5-HT2C receptor as compared to the 5-HT2A and 5-HT2B receptors. RS-102221 acted as an antagonist in a cell-based microphysiometry functional assay (pA2 = 8.1) and had no detectable intrinsic efficacy. Consistent with its action as a 5-HT2C receptor antagonist, daily dosing with RS-102221 (2 mg/kg intraperitoneal) increased food-intake and weight-gain in rats. Surprisingly, RS-102221 failed to reverse the hypolocomotion induced by the 5-HT2 receptor agonist 1-(3-chlorophenyl)piperazine (m-CPP). It is concluded that RS-102221 is the first selective, high affinity 5-HT2C receptor antagonist to be described.

2-(Quinuclidin-3-yl)pyrido[4,3-b]indol-1-ones and isoquinolin-1-ones. Potent conformationally restricted 5-HT3 receptor antagonists.

Several series of N-(quinuclidin-3-yl)aryl and heteroaryl-fused pyridones were synthesized and evaluated for 5-HT3 receptor affinity. In the heteroaryl series, 2-(quinuclidin-3-yl)tetrahydropyrido-[4,3-b]indol-1-one (8a) and the 4,5-alkano-bridged analogues (14 and 15) displayed high 5-HT3 receptor affinity with pKi values > 9. The (3S)-quinuclidinyl isomers had > 10 fold higher affinity than the (3R)-isomers. In a series of 2-quinuclidin-3-yl)isoquinolin-1-ones, derivatives substituted with small lipophilic groups (25b-e) and with 4,5-alkano-bridges (34-36) also displayed high affinity. In particular, the hexahydro-1H-benz[de]isoquinolinone (S,S)-37 was the highest affinity 5-HT3 receptor ligand prepared (pKi 10.4). A number of the high affinity ligands were shown to be potent 5-HT3 receptor antagonists in vivo as determined by inhibition of the B-J reflex in the anesthetized rat. Again, (S,S)-37 was the most active agent tested (ID50 0.02 microgram/kg i.v.), and this compound was also potent in blocking cisplatin-induced emesis in both the ferret and the dog. Computer modeling studies were performed, and previously reported 5-HT3 receptor antagonist pharmacophore models were refined to include a key lipophilic binding domain.

Affinity of 2-(tetrahydroisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl)- and 2-(isoindolin-2-ylmethyl)imidazolines for alpha-adrenoceptors. Differential affinity of imidazolines for the [3H]idazoxan-labeled alpha 2-adrenoceptor vs the [3H]yohimbine-labeled site.

A series of 2-(tetrahydroisoquinolin-2-ylmethyl)- and 2-(isoindolin-2-ylmethyl)imidazolines were prepared and tested for alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptor affinity with radioligand binding. Several compounds, 5-fluoro-(5h), 5-chloro-(5j), 5,8-dimethoxy- (5r), and 5,8-dimethoxy- (5r),1-methyl- (5s) 2-(tetrahydroisoquinolin-2- ylmethyl)imidazoline, were found to be selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor ligands on the basis of displacement of [3H]yohimbine from rat cerebral cortical membranes. One compound, 2-[(8-chloro tetrahydroisoquinolin-2-yl)methyl]imidazoline (5m), showed a 36-fold difference in affinity for the [3H]idazoxan-labeled alpha 2-adrenoceptor relative to the [3H]yohimbine-labeled site, which may be evidence for alpha 2-adrenoceptor subtypes.

1,9-Alkano-bridged 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepines with affinity for the alpha 2-adrenoceptor and the 5-HT1A receptor.

A number of 1,9-alkano-bridged 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepines were prepared and evaluated for 5-HT1A receptor and alpha 2-adrenoceptor affinity by using radioligand receptor binding techniques. Several compounds displayed 5-HT1A receptor affinity comparable to, or greater than, the known 5-HT1A ligand buspirone. The highest affinity 5-HT1A receptor ligands were N-alkyl-, N-allyl-5-chloro-, and 5-methoxy-1,2,3,4,8,9,10,10a-octahydronaphth[1,8-cd]azapines (4c, 4m, 4n), which had pKi values of 7.9-8.1. The S enantiomer of 4c had a higher affinity for the 5-HT1A receptor than the corresponding R isomer (pKi of 8.2 for (S)-4c vs 7.7 for (R)-4c). These compounds had a relatively low affinity for the alpha 2-adrenoceptor (pKi of 7 or less). On the other hand, the closely related 5-chloro-2-methyl-2,3,4,8,9,9a-hexahydro-1H-indeno[1,7-cd]azepine (3b) had high affinity for both the alpha 2-adrenoceptor (pKi = 8.1) and 5-HT1A receptor (pKi = 7.6). These results indicate that the two receptors may share common recognition sites.

Synthesis and antidepressant profiles of phenyl-substituted 2-amino- and 2-[(alkoxycarbonyl)amino]-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidines.

A series of 4(6)- and 5-phenyl-substituted 2-amino- and 2-[(alkoxycarbonyl)amino]-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidines were prepared and evaluated for central nervous system (CNS) effects in animal models. Several 5-phenyl-substituted compounds possessed potent antidepressant activity and all compounds in this series were devoid of significant activity in any of the other CNS (anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, and depressant) assays. The most active compound in the in vivo screen for antidepressant activity (reversal of reserpine-induced hypothermia), 2-[(methoxycarbonyl)amino]-5-phenyl-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidine was considerably more potent than tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) standards. The 2-amino parent compound on the other hand was greater than 100-fold as effective as TCA's in in vitro inhibition of norepinephrine and dopamine uptake.

Synthesis and central nervous system properties of 2-[(alkoxycarbonyl)amino]-4(5)-phenyl-2-imidazolines.

A series of 2-[( alkoxycarbonyl )amino]-4(5)-phenyl-2-imidazolines was prepared and evaluated for central nervous system (CNS) effects (antidepressant, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, and depressant) in animal models. Some separation of those CNS activities was achieved through substitutions on the phenyl and imidazoline moieties. Halo-substituted phenyl compounds were among the most potent antidepressants in this series, while imidazole N-alkylation produced compounds with increased depressant effects (loss of righting reflex, mouse behavior). Comparison of in vitro and in vivo data for pairs of 2-[(methoxycarbonyl)amino]-4(5)-phenyl-2-imidazolines and their parent, 2-amino-4(5)-phenyl-2-imidazolines, suggests that the title compounds were prodrugs for the 2-amino-4(5)-phenyl-2-imidazolines in inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake.

A new class of antimalarial drugs: derivatives of benzothiopyrans.

A series of substituted benzothiopyrans was synthesized and examined for antimalarial activity. Some were found to be active and curative at dose levels of 160--360 mg/kg against Plasmodium berghei in mice. Afew observations concerning structure-activity relationships were made. The benzothiopyrans were prepared by treatment of either the gem-dichloro- or the thionothioflavone intermediate with various primary amines. The thionothioflavone intermediates were made from thioflavones. Condensation of thiophenols with benzoyl acetates gave the thioflavones.