Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of pyrrolidine-modified analogs of the potent cholinergic channel activator, ABT 418

Identification of novel α4β2-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonists based on an isoxazole ether scaffold that demonstrate antidepressant-like activity

There is considerable evidence to support the hypothesis that the blockade of nAChR is responsible for the antidepressant action of nicotinic ligands. The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonist, mecamylamine, has been shown to be an effective add-on in patients that do not respond to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. This suggests that nAChR ligands may address an unmet clinical need by providing relief from depressive symptoms in refractory patients. In this study, a new series of nAChR ligands based on an isoxazole-ether scaffold have been designed and synthesized for binding and functional assays. Preliminary structure-activity relationship (SAR) efforts identified a lead compound 43, which possesses potent antidepressant-like activity (1 mg/kg, IP; 5 mg/kg, PO) in the classical mouse forced swim test. Early stage absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADME-Tox) studies also suggested favorable drug-like properties, and broad screening toward other common neurotransmitter receptors indicated that compound 43 is highly selective for nAChRs over the other 45 neurotransmitter receptors and transporters tested.

Structure-activity studies on a novel series of cholinergic channel activators based on a heteroaryl ether framework

Analogs of compound 1 with a variety of azacycles and heteroaryl groups were synthesized. These analogs exhibited Ki values ranging from 0.15 to > 10,000 nM when tested in vitro for cholinergic channel receptor binding activity (displacement of [3H](-) cytisine from whole rat brain synaptic membranes).

3-(5-Alkylamino-4-isoxazolyl)-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridines: a novel class of central nicotinic receptor ligands

A novel class of central nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ligands, 3-(5-alkylamino-4-isoxazolyl)-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridine 4a-f, was synthesized. Several of the compounds showed high affinity for central nicotinic receptors (4c: IC50 = 50 nM), with more than a 100-fold selectivity for nicotinic over muscarinic receptors. The compounds showed up to a 10-fold selectivity for the central nicotinic subtype combination alpha 4 beta 2 (4c: IC50 = 4.6 nM), as compared to the major ganglionic subtype composed of alpha 3 containing subunits (4c: IC50 = 48 nM). The compounds were further evaluated in a dopamine release assay in vitro, and in a drug discrimination assay in vivo. Compound 4a is an effective nicotinic agonist with a potency 50-100 times lower than nicotine. Extending the alkylamino chain beyond one, compound (4b-f), changed the pharmacological profile of the compounds in an antagonistic direction.