Do 2-(Benzoyl)piperidines Represent a Novel Class of hDAT Reuptake Inhibitors?

2-(Benzoyl)piperidines (analogues of 1a), structural hybrids of the clinically employed ADHD medication methylphenidate (2) and the abused synthetic cathinone pentedrone (3), have been previously reported to act as novel and selective reuptake inhibitors of the human dopamine transporter (hDAT). One of the more potent benzoylpiperidines, as is the case with methylphenidate analogues, is its 3,4-dichloroaryl counterpart. Here, we demonstrate using homology models that these compounds (i.e., benzoylpiperidines and methylphenidate analogues) likely bind in a comparable manner at hDAT. In addition, it is shown here that the 3,4-dichlorobenzoylpiperidine analogue of 1a is more potent than its 3,4-dimethyl counterpart, suggesting that the electronic character of the substituents might play a role in the potency of these hybrids. Furthermore, the 3,4-benz-fused (i.e., naphthyl) benzoylpiperidine analogue acts in the same manner as its corresponding methylphenidate counterpart at hDAT. As with its methylphenidate counterpart, the naphthyl compound also acts, rather uniquely (although with lower potency) relative to other members of the two series, at the human serotonin transporter (hSERT). In conclusion, the benzoylpiperidines represent a novel structural class of hDAT reuptake inhibitors that function in a manner similar to their methylphenidate counterparts.

Binding and functional structure-activity similarities of 4-substituted 2,5-dimethoxyphenyl isopropylamine analogues at 5-HT2A and 5-HT2B serotonin receptors

Certain 4-substituted analogs of 1-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)isopropylamine (2,5-DMA) are psychoactive classical hallucinogens or serotonergic psychedelic agents that function as human 5-HT_2A (h5-HT_2A) serotonin receptor agonists. Activation of a related receptor population, h5-HT_2B receptors, has been demonstrated to result in adverse effects including cardiac valvulopathy. We previously published on the binding of several such agents at the two receptor subtypes. We hypothesized that, due to their structural similarity, the 5-HT_2A and 5-HT_2B receptor affinities of these agents might be related, and that QSAR studies might aid future studies. For a series of 13 compounds, it is demonstrated here that i) their published rat brain 5-HT₂ receptor affinities are significantly correlated with their h5-HT_2A (r = 0.942) and h5-HT_2B (r = 0.916) affinities, ii) as with r5-HT₂ receptor affinity, h5-HT_2A affinity is correlated with the lipophilicity of the 4-position substituent (r = 0.798), iii) that eight of the ten compounds examined in functional (Ca⁺² mobilization in stable cell lines generated expressing the human 5-HT_2B receptor using the Flp-In T-REx system) assays acted as h5-HT_2B agonists (4-substituent = H, F, Br, I, OCH₂CH₃, NO₂, nC₃H₇, tC₄H₉) and two (n-hexyl and benzyl) as antagonists, iv) h5-HT_2B affinity but not action was correlated with the lipophilicity of the 4-position substituent (r = 0.750; n = 10). The findings suggest that h5-HT_2B receptor affinity, and its relationship to substituent lipophilicity, might be approximated by rat and h5-HT_2A affinity but cannot be used as a predictor of h5-HT_2B agonist action of 2,5-DMA analogs. Furthermore, given that certain 2,5-DMA analogs are on the clandestine market, their potential to produce cardiac side effects following persistent or chronic use via activation of h5-HT_2B receptors should be considered.

Non-conserved residues dictate dopamine transporter selectivity for the potent synthetic cathinone and psychostimulant MDPV

Clandestine chemists are currently exploiting the pyrrolidinophenone scaffold to develop new designer drugs that carry the risk of abuse and overdose. These drugs promote addiction through the rewarding effects of increased dopaminergic neurotransmission. 3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and its analogs are illicit psychostimulants of this class that are ∼50-fold more potent than cocaine at inhibiting the human dopamine transporter (hDAT). In contrast, MDPV is a weak inhibitor at both the human serotonin transporter (hSERT) and, as it is shown here, the Drosophila melanogaster DAT (dDAT). We studied three conserved residues between hSERT and dDAT that are unique in hDAT (A117, F318, and P323 in dDAT), and one residue that is different in all three transporters (D121 in dDAT). hDAT residues were replaced in the dDAT sequence at these positions using site-directed mutagenesis and stable cell lines were generated expressing these mutant transporters. The potencies of MDPV and two of its analogs were determined using a Ca²⁺-mobilization assay. In this assay, voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels are expressed to sense the membrane electrical depolarization evoked when dopamine is transported through DAT. Each individual mutant slightly improved MDPV's potency, but the combination of all four increased its potency ∼100-fold (2 log units) in inhibiting dDAT activity. Molecular modeling and docking studies were conducted to explore the possible mode of interaction between MDPV and DAT in silico. Two of the studied residues (F318 and P323) are at the entrance of the S1 binding site, whereas the other two (A117 and D121) face the aryl moiety of MDPV when bound to this site. Therefore, these four non-conserved residues can influence MDPV selectivity not only by stabilizing binding, but also by controlling access to its binding site at DAT.

N1H- and N1-Substituted Phenylguanidines as α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine (nACh) Receptor Antagonists: Structure-Activity Relationship Studies

We previously reported that N-(3-chlorophenyl)guanidine (1) represents a novel α7 nicotinic ACh (nACh) receptor antagonist chemotype. In the present study, a small series of compounds was synthesized with the intent to investigate the structure-activity relationship (SAR). Preliminary data suggested that the N-methyl analog of 1, 2, was several times more potent. Therefore, the chloro group at the aryl 3-position of 1 and its N₁-methyl counterpart 2 were replaced with a number of substituents considering the electronic, lipophilic, and steric nature of the substituents. The potencies of the compounds to inhibit acetylcholine (ACh)-induced responses were obtained in Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing human α7 nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) using a two-electrode voltage-clamp assay. We found that the nature of the 3-position substituents had relatively little (i.e., <10-fold) effect on potency, and the presence of an N₁-isopropyl substituent was tolerated. Here, we report the first SAR investigation of this novel α7 nAChR antagonist chemotype.

Computational analysis of non-competitive antagonist arylguanidine-α7 nAChR complexes

meta-Chlorophenylguanidine (1) is a non-competitive α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonist. Here we examined the hydrogen bond donor role of the anilinic N₁-H on the inhibitory effect of 1 by preparing its N₁-CH₃ counterpart 2. Analog 2 was found to be at least as potent as 1 as a non-competitive α7 nAChR antagonist in a patch-clamp assay. To establish a structural basis for the mode of interaction of guanidines 1 and 2, we generated 100 homology models of the hα7 nAChR. This was followed by Connolly surface (SYBYL-X2.1) and blind docking (AutoDock 4.1) studies to identify eight possible binding pockets, two of which were supported by empirical data and employed in our docking studies. The optimized model-ligand complexes were analyzed using a Hydropathic INTeractions (HINT) analysis in order to compare and contrast different binding pockets and modes. We identified a potential allosteric binding site and distinct rotameric binding modes for 1 and 2 at α7 nAChRs. These differences in the binding orientations minimized the importance of an anilinic NH function for the antagonist activity at nACh receptors.

Multi-modal antidepressant-like action of 6- and 7-chloro-2-aminodihydroquinazolines in the mouse tail suspension test

RATIONALE

2-Amino-6-chloro-3,4-dihydroquinazoline (e.g., A6CDQ) represents a novel putative antidepressant originally thought to act through a 5-HT₃ serotonin receptor antagonist mechanism. Here, we investigated this further by examining a positional isomer of A6CDQ (i.e., A7CDQ).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

5-HT₃ receptor and transporter activity (uptake-1 and uptake-2) were investigated using a variety of in vitro assays and the in vivo mouse tail suspension test (TST).

RESULTS

Although A7CDQ binds at 5-HT₃ receptors with low affinity (K_i = 1975 nM) compared to A6CDQ (K_i = 80 nM), it retained 5-HT₃ receptor antagonist action (IC₅₀ = 5.77 and 0.26 μM, respectively). In the mouse TST A7CDQ produced antidepressant-like actions (ED₅₀ = 0.09 mg/kg) comparable to that of A6CDQ. In addition, A6CDQ was found to be a 5-HT releasing agent (K_m = 2.8 μM) at hSERT and a reuptake inhibitor (IC₅₀ = 1.8 μM) at hNET, whereas A7CDQ was a weak reuptake inhibitor (K_m = 43.6 μM) at SERT but a releasing agent (EC₅₀ = 3.3 μM) at hNET. Moreover, A6CDQ and A7CDQ were potent inhibitors of uptake-2 (e.g.; OCT3 IC₅₀ = 3.9 and 5.9 μM, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

A simple shift of a substituent in a common quinazoline scaffold from one position to another (i.e., a chloro group from the 6- to the 7-position) resulted in a common action in the TST but via a somewhat different mechanism. A6CDQ and A7CDQ might represent the first members of a new class of potential antidepressants with a unique multi-modal mechanism of action.

Revised Pharmacophore Model for 5-HT2A Receptor Antagonists Derived from the Atypical Antipsychotic Agent Risperidone

Pharmacophore models for 5-HT_2A receptor antagonists consist of two aromatic/hydrophobic regions at a given distance from a basic amine. We have previously shown that both aromatic/hydrophobic moieties are unnecessary for binding or antagonist action. Here, we deconstructed the 5-HT_2A receptor antagonist/serotonin-dopamine antipsychotic agent risperidone into smaller structural segments that were tested for 5-HT_2A receptor affinity and function. We show, again, that the entire risperidone structure is unnecessary for retention of affinity or antagonist action. Replacement of the 6-fluoro-3-(4-piperidinyl)-1,2-benz[ d]isoxazole moiety by isosteric tryptamines resulted in retention of affinity and antagonist action. Additionally, 3-(4-piperidinyl)-1,2-benz[ d]isoxazole (10), which represents less than half the structural features of risperidone, retains both affinity and antagonist actions. 5-HT_2A receptor homology modeling/docking studies suggest that 10 binds in a manner similar to risperidone and that there is a large cavity to accept various N₄-substituted analogues of 10 such as risperidone and related agents. Alterations of this "extended" moiety improve receptor binding and functional potency. We propose a new risperidone-based pharmacophore for 5-HT_2A receptor antagonist action.

"Methylene Bridge" to 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists: Conformationally Constrained Phenylguanidines

Arylguanidines, depending upon their aromatic substitution pattern, display varying actions at 5-HT₃ receptors (e.g., partial agonist, agonist, superagonist). Here, we demonstrate that conformational constraint of these agents as dihydroquinazolines (such as A6CDQ; 1) results in their conversion to 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists. We examined the structure-activity relationships of 1. Replacement/removal of any of the guanidinium nitrogen atoms of 1 resulted in decreased affinity. All three nitrogen atoms of 1 are necessary for optimal binding affinity at 5-HT₃ receptors. Introduction of substituents as small as an N2-methyl group abolishes affinity. The results are consistent with homology modeling/docking studies and binding data from site-directed mutagenesis studies. Introducing a "methylene bridge" to the arylguanidine structure, regardless of its functional activity, results in a 5-HT₃ receptor antagonist.

des-Formylflustrabromine (dFBr): A Structure-Activity Study on Its Ability To Potentiate the Action of Acetylcholine at α4β2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors

The naturally occurring indole alkaloid des-formylflustrabromine (dFBr; 1) is one of the first agents shown to act as a selective positive allosteric modulator (PAM) at α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). We previously deconstructed this agent to determine which of its structural features contribute to its actions and have identified an agent that might serve as the basis for a " working pharmacophore". Here, we elaborate the dFBr (1; EC₅₀ = 0.2 μM) structure to identify how various structural modifications impact its actions. Electrophysiological studies with Xenopus laevis oocytes identified several compounds with dFBr-like potency and one, the 5-bromo analogue of 1 (i.e., 5-bromo dFBr; 25; EC₅₀ = 0.4 μM), with more than twice the efficacy of 1 as a PAM at α4β2 nAChRs.

Reevaluation of fenpropimorph as a σ receptor ligand: Structure-affinity relationship studies at human σ1 receptors

Fenpropimorph (1) is considered a "super high-affinity" σ₁ receptor ligand (K_i=0.005nM for guinea pig σ₁ receptors). Here, we examine the binding of 1 and several of its deconstructed analogs at human σ₁ (hσ₁) receptors. We monitored their subtype selectivity by determining the binding affinity at σ₂ receptors. In addition, we validated an existing pharmacophore model at the molecular level by conducting 3D molecular modeling studies, using the crystal structure of hσ₁ receptors, and Hydrophatic INTeractions (HINT) analysis. Our structure affinity relationship studies showed that 1 binds with lower affinity at hσ₁ receptors (K_i=17.3nM) compared to guinea pig; moreover, we found that none of the fenpropimorph methyl groups is important for its binding at hσ₁ receptors, nor is stereochemistry. For example, removal of all methyl groups as seen in 4 resulted in an almost 5-fold higher affinity at hσ₁ receptors compared to 1 and 350-fold selectivity versus σ₂ receptors. In addition, although the O atom of the morpholine ring does not contribute to affinity at hσ₁ receptors (and might even detract from it), it plays role in subtype (σ₁ versus σ₂ receptor) selectivity.

Synthetic Cathinones: A Brief Overview of Overviews with Applications to the Forensic Sciences

Catha edulis, the fresh leaves of which (i.e., khat) are used for their central stimulant actions, has been known for many hundreds of years. S(-)Cathinone was identified as a centrally-active khat constituents >30 years ago. Although khat use was a problem long localized to certain Middle Eastern and certain Eastern African nations, 'synthetic cathinones' (synthetic analogs of cathinone) represent a "new" class of abused substances with growing worldwide appeal. To date, about 150 synthetic cathinones have been identified on the clandestine market, and only a dozen or so have been controlled (U.S. Schedule I). Because these agents do not represent a pharmacologically (i.e., behavioral) or mechanistically homogeneous class of agents, synthetic cathinones are being investigated one agent at a time to understand their actions, mechanisms of action, metabolism, toxicity, and abuse potential - the latter to identify possible modes of overdose treatment and for Scheduling purposes. The available agents might represent only the 'tip of the iceberg'; the potential for many more new synthetic cathinones is very real. Investigation of these agents on an agent-by-agent basis is a daunting task. Attempts are being made to understand these agents as a class, by examination of their structure-activity relationships. Here, we provide an overview of review articles that attempts to shed light on these agents as a class, rather than on an agent-by-agent basis. This article is meant to be a reference resource that might expedite the work of those in this field by directing them to where they can find useful information.

Structure-Activity Relationships of Synthetic Cathinones

Until recently, there was rather little interest in the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of cathinone analogs because so few agents were available and because they represented a relatively minor drug abuse problem. Most of the early SAR was formulated on the basis of behavioral (e.g., locomotor and drug discrimination) studies using rodents. With the emergence on the clandestine market in the last few years of a large number of new cathinone analogs, termed "synthetic cathinones", and the realization that they likely act at dopamine, norepinephrine, and/or serotonin transporters as releasing agents (i.e., as substrates) or reuptake inhibitors (i.e., as transport blockers), it has now become possible to better examine their SAR and even their quantitative SAR (QSAR), in a more effective and systematic manner. An SAR picture is beginning to emerge, and key structural features, such as the nature of the terminal amine, the size of the α-substituent, stereochemistry, and the presence and position of aromatic substituents, are being found to impact action (i.e., as releasing agents or reuptake inhibitors) and transporter selectivity.

Superagonist, Full Agonist, Partial Agonist, and Antagonist Actions of Arylguanidines at 5-Hydroxytryptamine-3 (5-HT3) Subunit A Receptors

Introduction of minor variations to the substitution pattern of arylguanidine 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 (5-HT₃) receptor ligands resulted in a broad spectrum of functionally-active ligands from antagonist to superagonist. For example, (i) introduction of an additional Cl-substituent(s) to our lead full agonist N-(3-chlorophenyl)guanidine (mCPG, 2; efficacy % = 106) yielded superagonists 7-9 (efficacy % = 186, 139, and 129, respectively), (ii) a positional isomer of 2, p-Cl analog 11, displayed partial agonist actions (efficacy % = 12), and (iii) replacing the halogen atom at the meta or para position with an electron donating OCH₃ group or a stronger electron withdrawing (i.e., CF₃) group resulted in antagonists 13-16. We posit based on combined mutagenesis, crystallographic, and computational analyses that for the 5-HT₃ receptor, the arylguanidines that are better able to simultaneously engage the primary and complementary subunits, thus keeping them in close proximity, have greater agonist character while those that are deficient in this ability are antagonists.

Toward selective drug development for the human 5-hydroxytryptamine 1E receptor: a comparison of 5-hydroxytryptamine 1E and 1F receptor structure-affinity relationships

The 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 1E receptor is highly expressed in the human frontal cortex and hippocampus, and this distribution suggests the function of 5-HT(1E) receptors might be linked to memory. To test this hypothesis, behavioral experiments are needed. Because rats and mice lack a 5-HT(1E) receptor gene, knockout strategies cannot be used to elucidate this receptor's functions. Thus, selective pharmacological tools must be developed. The tryptamine-related agonist BRL54443 [5-hydroxy-3-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)-1H-indole] is one of the few agents that binds 5-HT(1E) receptors with high affinity and some selectively; unfortunately, it binds equally well to 5-HT(1F) receptors (K(i) ≈ 1 nM). The differences between tryptamine binding requirements of these two receptor populations have never been extensively explored; this must be done to guide the design of analogs with greater selectivity for 5-HT(1E) receptors versus 5-HT(1F) receptors. Previously, we determined the receptor binding affinities of a large series of tryptamine analogs at the 5-HT(1E) receptor; we now examine the affinities of this same series of compounds at 5-HT(1F) receptors. The affinities of these compounds at 5-HT(1E) and 5-HT(1F) receptors were found to be highly correlated (r = 0.81). All high-affinity compounds were full agonists at both receptor populations. We identified 5-N-butyryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine as a novel 5-HT(1F) receptor agonist with >60-fold selectivity versus 5-HT(1E) receptors. There is significant overlap between 5-HT(1E) and 5-HT(1F) receptor orthosteric binding properties; thus, identification of 5-HT(1E)-selective orthosteric ligands will be difficult. The insights generated from this study will inform future drug development and molecular modeling studies for both 5-HT(1E) and 5-HT(1F) receptors.

MD-354 selectively antagonizes the antinociceptive effects of (-)nicotine in the mouse tail-flick assay

RATIONALE

(-)Nicotine produces antinociceptive effects in rodents. meta-Chlorophenylguanidine (MD-354), an analgesia-enhancing agent, binds at 5-HT(3) and alpha(2)-adrenoceptors and potentiates the antinociceptive effects of an "inactive" dose of clonidine. The present study examined the actions of MD-354 on (-)nicotine-induced antinociception.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mouse tail-flick and other assays were employed.

RESULTS

In the tail-flick assay, (-)nicotine (ED(50) = 1.66 mg/kg) but not MD-354 produced dose-related antinociceptive effects. Administered in combination with (-)nicotine (2.5 mg/kg), MD-354 (AD(50) = 3.4 mg/kg) did not potentiate, but effectively antagonized the antinociceptive actions of (-)nicotine. In a mouse hot-plate assay, MD-354 failed to modify (-)nicotine responses. In combination with a locomotor activity-suppressing dose of (-)nicotine, MD-354 (up to 17 mg/kg) failed to antagonize (-)nicotine-induced hypolocomotion. In a rat drug discrimination paradigm using (-)nicotine as training drug, MD-354 produced saline-appropriate responding; in combination with the training dose of (-)nicotine, MD-354 failed to antagonize the nicotine cue.

CONCLUSIONS

MD-354 selectively antagonizes the antinociceptive actions of (-)nicotine in the tail-flick, but not in the hot-plate assay, or either the motor effects, or discriminative stimulus effects of (-)nicotine. The most parsimonious explanation is that MD-354 might act as a negative allosteric modulator of alpha 7 nACh receptors, and radioligand binding and functional data are provided to support this conclusion.

Binding of serotonin and N1-benzenesulfonyltryptamine-related analogs at human 5-HT6 serotonin receptors: receptor modeling studies

A population of 100 graphics models of the human 5-HT6 serotonin receptor was constructed based on the structure of bovine rhodopsin. The endogenous tryptamine-based agonist serotonin (5-HT; 1) and the benzenesulfonyl-containing tryptamine-derived 5-HT6 receptor antagonist MS-245 (4a) were automatically docked with each of the 100 receptor models using a genetic algorithm approach. Similar studies were conducted with the more selective 5-HT6 receptor agonist EMDT (5) and optical isomers of EMDT-related analog 8, as well as with optical isomers of MS-245 (4a)-related and benzenesulfonyl-containing pyrrolidine 6 and aminotetralin 7. Although associated with the same general aromatic/hydrophobic binding cluster, 5-HT (1) and MS-245 (4a) were found to preferentially bind with distinct receptor conformations, and did so with different binding orientations (i.e., poses). A 5-HT pose/model was found to be common to EMDT (5) and its analogs, whereas that identified for MS-245 (4a) was found common to benzenesulfonyl-containing compounds. Specific amino acid residues were identified that can participate in binding, and evaluation of a sulfenamide analog of MS-245 indicates for the first time that the presence of the sulfonyl oxygen atoms enhances receptor affinity. The results indicate that the presence or absence of an N1-benzenesulfonyl group is a major determinant of the manner in which tryptamine-related agents bind at 5-HT6 serotonin receptors.

The 5-HT3 receptor partial agonist MD-354 (meta-chlorophenylguanidine) enhances the discriminative stimulus actions of (+)amphetamine in rats

The effect of the 5-HT3 receptor partial agonist MD-354 (meta-chlorophenylguanidine) was examined on the discriminative stimulus produced by (+)amphetamine. Using male Sprague-Dawley rats trained to discriminate 1.0 mg/kg (i.p.) of (+)amphetamine from saline vehicle (VI 15-s schedule of reinforcement) in a two-lever operant procedure for appetitive reward, tests of stimulus generalization (substitution) and antagonism showed that MD-354 neither substituted for, nor antagonized, the amphetamine stimulus at the doses evaluated. Administration of (+)amphetamine doses in combination with a fixed (i.e., 1.0 mg/kg) dose of MD-354 shifted the (+)amphetamine dose-response curve to the left such that, following 0.3 mg/kg of (+)amphetamine, stimulus generalization occurred. Furthermore, MD-354 doses of 0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg, but not doses of 0.01, 0.5, 1.5 or 3.0 mg/kg (i.p.), administered in combination with the ED(50) dose (0.33 mg/kg) of (+)amphetamine resulted in stimulus generalization (i.e., >80% drug-appropriate responding). It is concluded that even though MD-354 lacks amphetamine-like central stimulant actions of its own it can modulate the discriminative stimulus effects of (+)amphetamine in rats.

N-Methyl-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (PMMA) and N-Methyl-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (MDMA) produce non-identical discriminative stimuli in rats

N-Methyl-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA, Ecstasy) and its structurally abbreviated congener N-methyl-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (para-methoxymethamphetamine, PMMA) are chemically related designer drugs, and PMMA is sometimes sold on the clandestine market as a substitute for MDMA. Prior drug discrimination studies have found that MDMA and PMMA substitute for one another suggesting that they produce similar discriminative stimulus effects in rats. However, there also are some indications that the two agents produce distinct stimulus effects. In this study, further comparisons were made between the stimulus effects of these two agents. Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to discriminate either 1.25 mg/kg of PMMA or 1.5 mg/kg of MDMA from saline vehicle in a two-lever operant paradigm. A structure-activity comparison revealed that MDMA and PMMA behave similarly upon homologation of their terminal amine substituents. In contrast, the PMMA stimulus, unlike an MDMA stimulus, failed to generalize completely to the psychostimulant cocaine, 8-hydroxy-2-(N,N-di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH DPAT), and R(-)-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane [R(-)MMA]. In an additional group of animals, a (+)amphetamine stimulus partially generalized to R(-)MMA. Taken together, the results argue and re-emphasize the conclusion that the stimulus effects produced by MDMA and PMMA are similar, but non-identical, and that PMMA is the less "stimulant-like" of the two.

Interaction of N1-unsubstituted and N1-benzenesulfonyltryptamines at h5-HT6 receptors

Despite possessing a common tryptaminergic scaffold, examination of 28 (i.e., 14 pairs of) compounds suggests that N1-unsubstituted and N1-benzenesulfonyltryptamines likely bind at h5-HT6 receptors in a dissimilar manner (r2=0.201). Additionally, an examination of two rotationally constrained N1-benzenesulfonyltryptamine analogs indicates that a non-coplanar relationship between the two aryl groups might be preferred for interaction with the receptors.

Aryloxyethylamines: Binding at α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

Structure-affinity relationships for the binding of 3-[2-(N,N,N-trimethylammonium)ethoxy]pyridine (AXPQ) at alpha7 nACh receptors were investigated due to its close structural similarity to a known alpha7 antagonist.

Binding of Sulfonyl-Containing Arylalkylamines at Human 5-HT6 Serotonin Receptors

Various sulfonyl-containing compounds (e.g. sulfonamides, sulfones) bind at human 5-HT6 serotonin receptors, but it has been difficult relating the binding mode(s) of such agents to one another, even though many possess a common SO2 moiety, to identify a common pharmacophore model(s). On the basis of the hypothesis that an ergoline-type conformation might be important for the binding of some sulfonamide-containing arylalkylamines, we prepared for examination at h5-HT6 receptors a series of compounds, including phenylethylamines 6, pyrroloethylamine 7, and phenylpiperazines 9. The results (with Ki values ranging from about 1 nM to >1000 nM) suggest that many of these agents likely bind in a related fashion, and structure-affinity studies indicate that the benzenesulfonamide portion of the phenylethylamine and phenylpiperazine analogues can be "reversed", abbreviated to a sulfone, and moved to an adjacent position with relatively little impact on affinity. Although a benzenesulfonamide (or related arylsulfonamide) group might be common to various 5-HT6 ligands, there appears to be some latitude with regard to the specific constitution and location of the sulfonamide moiety even within the same arylalkylamine structural framework. A pharmacophore model is presented to account for some of the current findings.

Binding of methoxy-substituted N1-benzenesulfonylindole analogs at human 5-HT6 serotonin receptors

Comparison of several amine-substituted and methoxy-substituted analogs of N1-(4-aminobenzene)sulfonylindole suggests that these substituents might contribute to the 5-HT6 serotonin receptor affinity of these agents via their electronic effect on the indolic nucleus. Their 1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocarbazole counterparts behave differently.

S(+)- and R(-)N-methyl-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (MDMA) as discriminative stimuli: effect of cocaine

Racemic N-methyl-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA), a central stimulant and empathogenic agent, and cocaine are drugs of abuse that function as training drugs in drug discrimination studies. In tests of stimulus generalization (substitution), asymmetric generalization occurs between the two agents: a (+/-)MDMA stimulus generalized to cocaine, but a cocaine stimulus did not generalize to (+/-)MDMA. A possible explanation may be found, at least in part, in the stimulus effects of the optical isomers of MDMA. In the present study, groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to discriminate either S(+)MDMA (training dose=1.5 mg/kg, i.p.; n=10; ED50=0.6 mg/kg) or R(-)MDMA (training dose=1.75 mg/kg, i.p.; n=7; ED50=0.4 mg/kg) from saline vehicle using a VI-15s schedule of reinforcement. Tests of stimulus generalization with cocaine were conducted in each of the two groups. Cocaine only partially substituted for the S(+)MDMA stimulus (maximum=39% drug-appropriate responding), and various doses of cocaine did not enhance the percent drug-appropriate responding produced by a low dose (0.5 mg/kg) of S(+)MDMA. In contrast, the R(-)MDMA stimulus generalized completely to cocaine (ED50=1.3 mg/kg). Taken together with an earlier report that a (+/-)MDMA stimulus generalizes to cocaine, it would seem that the stimulus actions of cocaine might share greater similarity with R(-)MDMA than with S(+)MDMA.

Binding of amine-substituted N1-benzenesulfonylindoles at human 5-HT6 serotonin receptors

An examination of several amine-substituted analogs of N(1)-benzenesulfonylindoles reveals that although they bind at human 5-HT(6) serotonin receptors with high affinity, they are likely to bind in a dissimilar manner.

3-(2-Aminoethyl)pyridine analogs as α4β2 nicotinic cholinergic receptor ligands

An examination of several 3-(2-aminoethyl)pyridine analogs suggests that they likely orient at alpha4beta2 nicotinic cholinergic receptors in a different fashion than their correspondingly substituted nicotine analogs.

Binding of isotryptamines and indenes at h5-HT6 serotonin receptors

To determine if the indolic nitrogen atom is required for the binding of N(1)-benzyltryptamines at h5-HT(6) serotonin receptors, several isotryptamines and indene analogs were examined. The affinity of 3-benzyl-N(1)-(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl)indole (5, K(i)=32nM) and 1-benzyl-3-(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl)indene (11, K(i)=3nM) indicates that the indolic nitrogen atom is not essential for binding.

6-(2-Phenylethyl)nicotine: A novel nicotinic cholinergic receptor ligand

6-(2-Phenylethyl)nicotine (1b; K(i)=15 nM) was unexpectedly found to bind at alpha4beta2 nicotinic cholinergic (nACh) receptors. Although this compound failed to produce nicotine-like agonist action in several functional assays, 1b antagonized the antinociceptive effects of nicotine (mouse tail-flick assay) in a dose-dependent fashion when administered via an intrathecal route.

1-(1-Naphthyl)piperazine as a novel template for 5-HT6 serotonin receptor ligands

4-Sulfonyl analogs of 1-(1-naphthyl)piperazine bind at human 5-HT6 receptors and represent a novel class of human 5-HT6 receptor ligands.

2-(Anilino)imidazolines and 2-(benzyl)imidazoline derivatives as h5-HT1D serotonin receptor ligands

2-(Anilino)imidazolines were identified as novel human 5-HT(1D) receptor ligands, but offered no particular advantage over previously reported 2-(benzyl)imidazolines. Pharmacokinetic and functional data were obtained for selected 2-(benzyl)imidazoline derivatives.

(+/-)8-Amino-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroisoquinolines as novel antinociceptive agents

Several amine-substituted 8-amino-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroisoquinolines were examined as conformationally-constrained analogs of the nicotinic cholinergic (nACh) 3-(aminomethyl)pyridines. Although these ligands failed to bind at nACh receptors, the N-ethyl-N-methyl analog 3d was found to be at least equipotent with nicotine in rodent tests of antinociception. The mechanism of action of 3d is currently unknown.

Binding of tryptamine analogs at h5-HT1E receptors: a structure–affinity investigation

Structure-affinity requirements for the binding of serotonin (5-HT) analogs at human 5-HT1E receptors were investigated by examining the affinities of >40 tryptamine-related compounds. No tryptamine analog was found to bind with substantially higher affinity than 5-HT. The results indicate that hydrogen bonding plays a key role in the 5-HT1E/receptor interaction. This finding was supported using quantitative structure-activity analysis (QSAR) techniques such as comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and the program QsarIS.

1,2,3,4-Tetrahydrocarbazoles as 5-HT6 serotonin receptor ligands

An investigation of the structure-affinity relationships for the binding of 4-(N,N-dimethylaminomethyl)-N(9)-arylsulfonyl-9H-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocarbazoles (conformationally-constrained analogues of the benzenesulfonyltryptamine 5-HT(6) antagonist MS-245) at human 5-HT(6) receptors revealed that various arylsulfonyl substituents are tolerated and that the 4-(N,N-dimethylaminomethyl) group is not required for binding. In particular, N(9)-(4-aminobenzenesulfonyl)-9H-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocarbazole (20, K(i)=29 nM) was found to bind with high affinity and represents the first member of a new structural class of agents with 5-HT(6) antagonist properties (pA(2)=7.0; cAMP hydrolysis assay).

α4β2 nACh Receptor pharmacophore models

Progress towards the development of alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholinergic receptor pharmacophores is reviewed from the early Beers and Riech model to the newer vector models.

N1-benzenesulfonylgramine and N1-benzenesulfonylskatole: novel 5-HT6 receptor ligand templates

1-Benzenesulfonyl-5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (3; K(i)=2.3 nM) is a 5-HT(6) receptor antagonist; removal of the 5-methoxy group (i.e., 6; K(i)=4.1 nM) has little impact on receptor affinity. In the present study, it is shown that the aminomethyl portion of 6 can be shortened to gramine analogue 10a (K(i)=3.1 nM); a related skatole derivative 11b (K(i)=12 nM) also binds with high affinity indicating that the aminoethyl portion of the tryptamines is not required for binding. Compounds 10a and 11b represent members of novel classes of 5-HT(6) antagonists.

Arylguanidine and arylbiguanide binding at 5-HT3 serotonin receptors: a QSAR study

For a series of monosubstituted arylguanidines, 5-HT3 receptor affinity was found generally related to the electron withdrawing nature of the substituent at the aryl 3-position and the lipophilicity of the 4-position substituent. A broader examination of 35 arylguanidines and arylbiguanides revealed that affinity could be described by molecular polarizability, a Chi index term (8chiP), and the sum of all (-Cl) E-State values (SsCl) in the molecule.

Binding of tetrahydrocarboline derivatives at human 5-HT5A receptors

On the basis of an earlier finding that 5-methyl-5H-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrido[4,3-b]indole (5-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-gamma-carboline; 1) binds at murine 5-HT(5A) receptors, preliminary structure-affinity studies were conducted. The present investigation extends these structure-affinity studies using human 5-HT(5A) receptors and examined additional analogues of 1. It was found (a) that there is little interspecies difference for the affinities of these compounds, (b) that an intact 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-gamma-carboline ring system seems optimal and an N(2)-(3-(substituted-phenoxy)propyl) moiety results in high affinity, (c) that structurally related 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carbolines also bind at 5-HT(5A) receptors, and (d) that all examined derivatives also possess affinity for 5-HT(2A) receptors. Evidence is provided that 5-HT(5A) and 5-HT(2A) receptor affinities probably do not covary and that it might be possible, with continued investigation, to develop analogues with enhanced 5-HT(5A) selectivity.

Epibatidine: impact on nicotinic receptor research

Epibatidine is a natural product that was isolated and identified by Daly and coworkers in 1992. Since that time, it has had a profound influence on the investigation of alpha4beta2 nicotinic cholinergic (nACh) receptor pharmacophore models, and has inspired the development of novel agents with therapeutic potential in CNS disorders. Apart from acetylcholine and nicotine, probably no other agent has had as much recent impact on nACh research as has epibatidine.

Conformationally-restricted analogues and partition coefficients of the 5-HT3 serotonin receptor ligands meta-chlorophenylbiguanide (mCPBG) and meta-chlorophenylguanidine (mCPG)

The present investigation examined two features of arylbiguanide and arylguanidine 5-HT(3) ligands: conformation and partition coefficients. Several conformationally-constrained analogues of mCPBG (2) and mCPG (11; K(i)=32 nM) were prepared and of these only 2-amino-5-chloro-3,4-dihydroquinazoline (14; K(i)=34 nM) retained high affinity. The partition coefficient of compound 11 (LogP(app)=-0.64) was less than that of its corresponding arylbiguanide 2 (LogP(app)=-0.38). The quinazoline structure may represent a pharmacologically-active conformation of these agents, and the arylbiguanides were found more lipid soluble than their arylguanidine counterparts at physiological pH.

Binding of nicotine and homoazanicotine analogues at neuronal nicotinic acetylcholinergic (nACh) receptors

A total of 20 substituted analogues of nicotine (1a) and homoazanicotine (3a) were examined in order to determine whether or not they might bind in a similar manner at alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholinergic (nACh) receptors. It was found that parallel structural changes in the two series resulted in parallel shifts in affinity. Evidence suggests that the two series are binding in a comparable fashion.

Homoazanicotine: a structure-affinity study for nicotinic acetylcholine (nACh) receptor binding

We have recently identified 3-[(1-methyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)methyl]pyridine (homoazanicotine, 8) as a novel nicotinic acetylcholinergic (nACh) receptor ligand. In the present investigation, after we determined that 8 binds selectively at nicotinic (K(i) = 7.8 nM) vs muscarinic (K(i) > 10,000 nM) acetylcholinergic receptors, we examined its structure-affinity relationships for nACh receptor binding. The features investigated included the influence of (i) the composition of connector that separates the two rings, (ii) the N-methyl group, (iii) the ring opening of the imidazoline ring, (iv) the pyridine nitrogen atom, and (v) the aromatization of the imidazoline ring on nACh receptor affinity. As with nicotine, the parent structure seems optimal and most structural changes reduce nACh receptor affinity. Also, as with nicotine analogues, alteration of the spacer group influences affinity in a manner that is somewhat different than that seen with the parent structure.

Functional diversity among 5-substituted nicotine analogs; in vitro and in vivo investigations

Two 5-substituted derivatives of nicotine (nicotinic acetylcholine receptor: K(i)=2.4 nM) were synthesized and evaluated: 5-bromonicotine (K(i)=6.9 nM) and 5-methoxynicotine (K(i)=14.3 nM). Despite their high affinity, neither 5-bromonicotine nor 5-methoxynicotine mimicked nicotine in producing antinociceptive (tail-flick, hotplate), hypolocomotor, or hypothermic effects in mice. Neither agent antagonized the hypolocomotor actions of nicotine, whereas 5-methoxynicotine, but not 5-bromonicotine, antagonized the antinociceptive (tail-flick) activity of nicotine in a dose-related manner. In tests of stimulus generalization using rats trained to discriminate 0.6 mg/kg of (-)-nicotine from vehicle, 5-bromonicotine substituted for nicotine. Further evaluation of 5-bromonicotine indicated that it might be a partial agonist at alpha4beta2 receptors (stimulation of Rb(+) efflux; alpha4beta2 receptors expressed in oocytes) and at alpha3-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (synaptosomal dopamine release). Thus, 5-bromonicotine might be acting as a partial agonist at alpha4beta2 receptors and/or some of its effects might be related to interactions with non-alpha4beta2 receptors. Clearly, the effects of 5-bromonicotine and 5-methoxynicotine are different from those of nicotine, and from one another. These actions demonstrate that substitution at the 5-position of nicotine exerts a profound influence on the pharmacological profile as well as agonist/antagonist properties of nicotine.

Evaluation of isotryptamine derivatives at 5-HT(2) serotonin receptors

On the basis that meta-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP; 1) is a nonselective 5-HT(2C) agonist, that benz-fused tryptamines (e.g., 5) display enhanced 5-HT(2) affinity, and that certain isotryptamines 3 reportedly bind with enhanced affinity and selectivity at 5-HT(2C) receptors, we prepared and examined a series of isotryptamine-related analogues as potentially selective 5-HT(2C) agonists. None of the compounds displayed selectivity for 5-HT(2C) versus 5-HT(2A) receptors. Detailed re-examination of a compound previously reported to display 100-fold 5-HT(2C) selectivity [i.e., S(+)-5,6-difluoro-alpha-methylisotryptamine] revealed that its selectivity versus 5-HT(2A) receptors was, at best, only 10-fold.

1-[2-methoxy-5-(3-phenylpropyl)]-2-aminopropane unexpectedly shows 5-HT(2A) serotonin receptor affinity and antagonist character

Certain phenylethylamines, such as 1-(4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOB; 1a), are high-affinity 5-HT(2) agonists. Previous structure-affinity studies have concluded that both the 2,5-dimethoxy substitution pattern and the nature of substituents at the 4-position are important determinants of high affinity. We recently demonstrated that replacement of the bromo group of DOB with a 3-(phenyl)propyl substituent results in retention of affinity and that, counter to established structure-affinity relationships, the 2,5-dimethoxy substitution pattern is no longer a requirement for the binding. The present investigation extends these findings by examining a series of analogues, 3, lacking a 5-methoxy group. It was additionally found that shifting the phenylalkyl substituent from the 4- to the 5-position (e.g., 4i) also results in retention of affinity. For example, 1-(2-methoxy-5-(3-phenylpropyl)-2-aminopropane (6; the alpha-methyl derivative of 4i) binds at 5-HT(2A) receptors with high affinity (K(i) = 13 nM) and possesses 5-HT(2A) antagonist character. Thus, not only is the 2,5-dimethoxy substitution pattern not a requirement for the binding of certain phenylethylamines at 5-HT(2A) receptors, the presence of a 4-position substituent (previously thought to serve as a modulator of affinity of DOB-like agents) is also not required. Striking differences in the 5-HT(2A) binding requirements of the present compounds as compared to DOB-like agents suggest multiple substituent-dependent modes of binding.

The binding of arylguanidines at 5-HT(3) serotonin receptors: a structure-affinity investigation

The 5-HT(3) receptor binding affinities of nine pairs of aryl-substituted arylguanidines and arylbiguanides were examined and the results suggest the likelihood that both classes of agents utilize common receptor binding features. The effects of structural modification were also examined using CoMFA. 1-(3,4,5-Trichlorophenyl)guanidine (5-HT(3) K(i)=0.7 nM) was identified as a very high-affinity arylguanidine. The structures of the high-affinity arylguanidines are inconsistent with current 5-HT(3) pharmacophore models.

Imidazoline-modified benzylimidazolines as h5-HT(1D/1B) serotonergic ligands

Sumatriptan, a h5-HT1D and h5-HT1B receptor agonist used clinically as a migraine-abortive, produces certain side effects thought to result from its affinity for h5-HT1B receptors. The present investigation extends our work with benzylimidazolines as novel non-tryptamine h5-HT(1D/1B) ligands. The effect of N-methylation, N-benzylation, ring-aromatization, and variation of the imidazoline ring on affinity both at h5-HT1D and h5-HT1B receptors was examined. Several compounds were identified with good affinity and enhanced (i.e., > 100-fold) h5-HT1D versus hS-HT1B selectivity.

Donitriptan (Pierre Fabre)

Pierre Fabre is developing donitriptan, a piperazide 5-HT1D agonist, as a potential treatment for migraine [175854]. In January 2001, donitriptan had completed phase I trials for migraine and was scheduled to enter phase II development [396027]. This compound has an increased potency and, importantly, markedly higher intrinsic activity in comparison to the well described tryptamine derivatives, naratriptan, zolmitriptan and sumatriptan [295769].