Synthesis, ligand binding, and quantitative structure-activity relationship study of 3 beta-(4'-substituted phenyl)-2 beta-heterocyclic tropanes: evidence for an electrostatic interaction at the 2 beta-position

The 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT modulates motor/exploratory activity, recognition memory and dopamine transporter binding in the dorsal and ventral striatum

In the present studies, we assessed the effect of the 5-HT1A receptor (R) agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) on motor and exploratory behaviors, object and place recognition and dopamine transporter (DAT) and serotonin transporter (SERT) binding in the rat brain. In Experiment I, motor/exploratory behaviors were assessed in an open field after injection of either 8-OH-DPAT (0.1 and 3 mg/kg) or vehicle for 30 min without previous habituation to the open field. In Experiment II, rats underwent a 5-min exploration trial in an open field with two identical objects. After injection of either 8-OH-DPAT (0.1 and 3 mg/kg) or vehicle, rats underwent a 5-min test trial with one of the objects replaced by a novel one and the other object transferred to a novel place. Subsequently, N-o-fluoropropyl-2b-carbomethoxy-3b-(4-[123I]iodophenyl)-nortropane ([123I]FP-CIT; 11 ± 4 MBq) was injected into the tail vein. Regional radioactivity accumulations were determined post mortem with a well counter. In both experiments, 8-OH-DPAT dose-dependently increased ambulation and exploratory head-shoulder motility, whereas rearing was dose-dependently decreased. In the test rial of Experiment II, there were no effects of 8-OH-DPAT on overall activity, sitting and grooming. 8-OH-DPAT dose-dependently impaired recognition of object and place. 8-OH-DPAT (3 mg/kg) increased DAT binding in the dorsal striatum relative to both vehicle and 0.1 mg/kg 8-OH-DPAT. Furthermore, in the ventral striatum, DAT binding was decreased after 3 mg/kg 8-OH-DPAT relative to vehicle. Findings indicate that motor/exploratory behaviors, memory for object and place and regional dopamine function may be modulated by the 5-HT1AR. Since, after 8-OH-DPAT, rats exhibited more horizontal and less (exploratory) vertical motor activity, while overall activity was not different between groups, it may be inferred, that the observed impairment of object recognition was not related to a decrease of motor activity as such, but to a decrease of intrinsic motivation, attention and/or awareness, which are relevant accessories of learning. Furthermore, the present findings on 8-OH-DPAT action indicate associations not only between motor/exploratory behavior and the recognition of object and place but also between the respective parameters and the levels of available DA in dorsal and ventral striatum.

Carboxylic Acid Bioisosteres in Medicinal Chemistry: Synthesis and Properties

Lead optimization represents the tedious process of fine-tuning lead compounds from biologically active hits to suitable drug candidates for clinical trials. By chemically modifying a hit structure, an improved compound can be obtained in terms of activity, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) properties. The carboxylic acid moiety is known to be a crucial functionality in many pharmaceutically active compounds. Despite its common use as a key functionality in drugs, its presence in a lead molecule is often associated with poor pharmacokinetic properties and toxicity. In this literature overview, we discuss how the shortcomings of a carboxylic acid can be circumvented by replacing this functionality with bioisosteres. In this way, the positive aspects of this moiety, such as its activity, for example, by virtue of its capacity to form hydrogen bonds, can be maintained or even improved. To that end, we provide an overview of the most promising carboxylic acid bioisosteres and discuss a selection of synthetic routes towards the main functionalities.

Intranasal Dopamine Reduces In Vivo [(123)I]FP-CIT Binding to Striatal Dopamine Transporter: Correlation with Behavioral Changes and Evidence for Pavlovian Conditioned Dopamine Response

Purpose: Dopamine (DA), which does not cross the blood-brain barrier, has central and behavioral effects when administered via the nasal route. Neither the mechanisms of central action of intranasal dopamine (IN-DA), nor its mechanisms of diffusion and transport into the brain are well understood. We here examined whether IN-DA application influences dopamine transporter (DAT) binding in the dorsal striatum and assessed the extent of binding in relation to motor and exploratory behaviors. We hypothesized that, based on the finding of increased extracellular DA in the striatum induced by application of IN-DA, binding of [¹²³I]FP-CIT to the DAT should be decreased due to competition at the receptor.

Methods: Rats were administered 3 mg/kg IN-DA and vehicle (VEH), with IN-DA injection either preceding or following VEH. Then motor and exploratory behaviors (traveled distance, velocity, center time, sitting, rearing, head-shoulder motility, grooming) were assessed for 30 min in an open field prior to administration of [¹²³I]FP-CIT. DAT binding after IN-DA and VEH was measured with small animal SPECT 2 h following administration of the radioligand.

Results: (1) After IN-DA application, striatal DAT binding was significantly lower as compared to VEH, indicating that the nasally delivered DA had central action and increased DA levels comparable to that found previously with L-DOPA administration; and (2) DAT binding in response to intranasal VEH was lower when IN-DA application preceded VEH treatment. This finding is suggestive of Pavlovian conditioning of DA at the level of the DAT, since the DA treatment modified (decreased) the binding in response to the subsequent VEH treatment. VEH treatment also reduced motor and exploratory behaviors more when applied before, as compared to when it followed IN-DA application, also indicative of behavioral Pavlovian conditioning akin to that found upon application of various psychostimulant drugs.

Conclusions: The results: (a) demonstrate a direct central action of intranasally applied DA on the DAT in the dorsal striatum, indicating enhanced DA availability; and (b) provide first evidence of a Pavlovian conditioned DA response at the DAT. The latter results have relevance to understanding neurochemical mechanisms that underlie placebo action in the treatment of Parkinsonian patients.

Pharmacological treatment with L-DOPA may reduce striatal dopamine transporter binding in in vivo imaging studies

Numerous neurologic and psychiatric conditions are treated with pharmacological compounds, which lead to an increase of synaptic dopamine (DA) levels. One example is the DA precursor L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA), which is converted to DA in the presynaptic terminal. If the increase of DA concentrations in the synaptic cleft leads to competition with exogenous radioligands for presynaptic binding sites, this may have implications for DA transporter (DAT) imaging studies in patients under DAergic medication. This paper gives an overview on those findings, which, so far, have been obtained on DAT binding in human Parkinson's disease after treatment with L-DOPA. Findings, moreover, are related to results obtained on rats, mice or non-human primates. Results indicate that DAT imaging may be reduced in the striata of healthy animals, in the unlesioned striata of animal models of unilateral Parkinson's disease and in less severly impaired striata of Parkinsonian patients, if animal or human subjects are under acute or subchronic treatment with L-DOPA. If also striatal DAT binding is susceptible to alterations of synaptic DA levels, this may allow to quantify DA reuptake in analogy to DA release by assessing the competition between endogenous DA and the administered exogenous DAT radioligand.

Pharmacological challenge and synaptic response - assessing dopaminergic function in the rat striatum with small animal single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET)

Disturbances of dopaminergic neurotransmission may be caused by changes in concentrations of synaptic dopamine (DA) and/or availabilities of pre- and post-synaptic transporter and receptor binding sites. We present a series of experiments which focus on the regulatory mechanisms of the dopamin(DA)ergic synapse in the rat striatum. In these studies, DA transporter (DAT) and/or D(2) receptor binding were assessed with either small animal single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or positron emission tomography (PET) after pharmacological challenge with haloperidol, L-DOPA and methylphenidate, and after nigrostriatal 6-hydroxydopamine lesion. Investigations of DAT binding were performed with [(123)I]N-ω-fluoropropyl-2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(4-iodophenyl)nortropane ([(123)I]FP-CIT). D(2) receptor bindingd was assessed with either [(123)I](S)-2-hydroxy-3-iodo-6-methoxy-N-[(1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)methyl]benzamide ([(123)I]IBZM) or [(18)F]1[3-(4'fluorobenzoyl)propyl]-4-(2-keto-3-methyl-1-benzimidazolinyl)piperidine ([(18)F]FMB). Findings demonstrate that in vivo investigations of transporter and/or receptor binding are feasible with small animal SPECT and PET. Therefore, tracers that are radiolabeled with isotopes of comparatively long half-lives such as (123)I may be employed. Our approach to quantify DAT and/or D(2) receptor binding at baseline and after pharmacological interventions inducing DAT blockade, D(2) receptor blockade, and increases or decreases of endogenous DA concentrations holds promise for the in vivo assessment of synaptic function. This pertains to animal models of diseases associated with pre- or postsynaptic DAergic deficiencies such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia or drug abuse.

The synthesis and biological evaluation of 2-(3-methyl or 3-phenylisoxazol-5-yl)-3-aryl-8-thiabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes

Cocaine, a potent stimulant of the central nervous system, owes its reinforcing and stimulant properties to its ability to inhibit monoamine uptake systems such as the Dopamine Transporter (DAT), and the Serotonin Transporter (SERT) located on presynaptic neurons in the striatum. The search for pharmacotherapies for cocaine addiction has focused on the design of compounds that bind selectively to the DAT and manifest slow onset of stimulatory action with long duration of action. We had reported that 3-aryl-2-carbomethoxy-8-thiabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes are potent and selective inhibitors of the DAT. In this Letter we report on the effects of replacement of the 2-carbomethoy group by a 2-isoxazole. This new class of 8-thiabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes provides potent and selective inhibitors of the DAT. The 3β-aryl compounds are particularly potent inhibitors of DAT (IC(50) = 7-43 nM) with substantial selectivity versus inhibition of SERT.

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor efficacy and pharmacological properties of 3-(substituted phenyl)-2β-substituted tropanes

There is a need for different and better aids to tobacco product use cessation. Useful smoking cessation aids, bupropion (2) and varenicline (3), share some chemical features with 3-phenyltropanes (4), which have promise in cocaine dependence therapy. Here we report studies to generate and characterize pharmacodynamic features of 3-phenyltropane analogues. These studies extend our work on the multiple molecular target model for aids to smoking cessation. We identified several new 3-phenyltropane analogues that are superior to 2 in inhibition of dopamine, norepinephrine, and sometimes serotonin reuptake. All of these ligands also act as inhibitors of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) function with a selectivity profile that favors, like 2, inhibition of α3β4*-nAChR. Many of these ligands also block acute effects of nicotine-induced antinociception, locomotor activity, and hypothermia. Importantly, all except one of the analogues tested have better potencies in inhibition of nicotine conditioned place preference than 2. We have identified new compounds that have utility as research tools and possible promise for treatment of nicotine dependence.

Pretreatment with haloperidol reduces (123)I-FP-CIT binding to the dopamine transporter in the rat striatum: an in vivo imaging study with a dedicated small-animal SPECT camera

Synaptic dopamine is mainly regulated by presynaptic dopamine transporter (DAT) activity. We hypothesized that variations in synaptic dopamine are reflected by variations of DAT radioligand binding. The effect of haloperidol, which increases synaptic dopamine concentrations, was therefore assessed in the rat striatum using (123)I-N-omega-fluoropropyl-2beta-carbomethoxy-3beta-(4-iodophenyl)-nortropane ((123)I-FP-CIT) as a DAT radioligand.

METHODS

Striatal (123)I-FP-CIT binding was measured in 24 rats under baseline conditions (no pretreatment) and at 1 h after injection of haloperidol or a vehicle (1 mg/kg) using a small-animal SPECT camera.

RESULTS

Baseline equilibrium ratios (V(3)'') were 1.32 +/- 0.24 (mean +/- SD). After the haloperidol injection, V(3)'' decreased to 0.99 +/- 0.38 (P(2-tailed) < 0.0001), corresponding to a mean reduction of DAT binding by 25%.

CONCLUSION

Our results are indicative of competition between the DAT ligand (123)I-FP-CIT and synaptic dopamine elevated by haloperidol, suggesting that the assessment of (123)I-FP-CIT binding may be suitable to study variations in synaptic dopamine in vivo.

Synthesis and monoamine transporter binding properties of 2beta-[3'-(substituted benzyl)isoxazol-5-yl]- and 2beta-[3'-methyl-4'-(substituted phenyl)isoxazol-5-yl]-3beta-(substituted phenyl)tropanes

A series of 2beta-[3'-(substituted benzyl)isoxazol-5-yl]- and 2beta-[3'-methyl-4'-(substituted phenyl)isoxazol-5-yl]-3beta-(substituted phenyl)tropanes were prepared and evaluated for affinities at dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine transporters using competitive radioligand binding assays. The 2beta-[3'-(substituted benzyl)isoxazol-5-yl]-3beta-(substituted phenyl)tropanes (3a-h) showed high binding affinities for the dopamine transporter (DAT). The IC(50) values ranged from 5.9 to 22nM. On the other hand, the 2beta-[3'-methyl-4'-(substituted phenyl)isoxazol-5-yl]-3beta-(substituted phenyl)tropanes (4a-h), with IC(50) values ranging from 65 to 173nM, were approximately 3- to 25-fold less potent than the corresponding 2beta-[3'-(substituted benzyl)isoxazol]tropanes. All tested compounds were selective for the DAT relative to the norepinephrine transporter (NET) and serotonin transporter (5-HTT). 3Beta-(4-Methylphenyl)-2beta-[3'-(4-fluorobenzyl)isoxazol-5-yl]tropane (3b) with IC(50) of 5.9nM at the DAT and K(i)s of 454 and 113nM at the NET and 5-HTT, respectively, was the most potent and DAT-selective analog. Molecular modeling studies suggested that the rigid conformation of the isoxazole side chain in 4a-h might play an important role on their low DAT binding affinities.

New 2α-tropane amides as potential PET ligands for the dopamine transporter

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of dopamine transporter (DAT) density in the brain is a potentially valuable tool for studying the etiopathology of degenerative brain disorders. The present study evaluated five new potential competitive inhibitors of DAT as ligands for PET. The evaluation of the new compounds measured their ability to compete with the binding of the reference ligand 2beta-carbomethoxy-3beta-(4-[(131)I]iodophenyl)tropane [(131)I]beta-CIT to striatal and cortical membranes from rat and pig brain. Four of the new compounds structurally related to cocaine were synthesized in their 2alpha,3beta configuration; the most potent one, 3beta-(4-iodo-phenyl)-8-methyl-8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2alpha-carboxylic acid (2-fluoro-ethyl)-amide, was synthesized also in the 2beta,3beta configuration. For comparative studies in rat brain and new evaluation in pig brain homogenate, the established compounds beta-CIT, FP-CIT, PE2I and FETT were also synthesized and evaluated. Contrary to expectation, the 2alpha,3beta and 2beta,3beta isomers of 3-(4-iodo-phenyl)-8-methyl-8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2-carboxylic acid (2-fluoro-ethyl)-amide showed the same affinity constant for rat striatum (K(i)=200 nM+/-34), but in pig striatum and rat and pig cortex the 2alpha,3beta form even had a higher affinity than the 2beta,3beta form.

Synthesis, Monoamine Transporter Binding, Properties, and Functional Monoamine Uptake Activity of 3β-[4-Methylphenyl and 4-Chlorophenyl]-2β-[5-(Substituted phenyl)thiazol-2-yl]tropanes

Synthetic methods were developed for the synthesis of the 3beta-(4-substituted phenyl)-2 beta-[5-(substituted phenyl)thiazol-2-yl]tropanes (4a-s). The compounds were evaluated for their monoamine transporter binding and monoamine uptake inhibition properties using both rat brain tissue and cloned transporter assays. In general, the compounds showed higher dopamine transporter (DAT) affinity relative to the serotonin and norepinephrine transporters (SERT and NET, respectively) and greater [3H]dopamine uptake inhibition potency relative to [3H]serotonin and [3H]norepinephrine uptake inhibition. Several compounds were DAT selective relative to the SERT and NET in the monoamine transporter binding assays. The most potent and selective analog in the functional monoamine uptake inhibition test was 3beta-(4-methylphenyl-2 beta-[5-(3-nitrophenyl)thiazol-2-yl]tropane (4p).

Slow-onset, long-duration, alkyl analogues of methylphenidate with enhanced selectivity for the dopamine transporter

Methylphenidate analogues, in which the carbomethoxy has been replaced by an alkyl group and with different phenyl substituents, have been synthesized and tested in monoamine transporter assays. As predicted from a pharmacophore model, most of the RR/SS diastereomers showed high potency as dopamine reuptake inhibitors. Analogues with a 4-chlorophenyl group and an unbranched initial alkyl atom had consistently enhanced selectivity for the dopamine transporter. The most potent compounds were those with a three- or four-carbon chain. The "inactive" RS/SR diastereomers showed substantial activity when the phenyl substituent was 3,4-dichloro. On a locomotor assay, one compound was found to have a slow onset and a long duration of action. The activity of these compounds provides additional evidence for a conformational/superposition model of methylphenidate with cocaine-like structures. A ketone analogue, obtained by hydrogenating a previously described vinylogous amide, had activity similar to that of methylphenidate.

Faster onset and dopamine transporter selectivity predict stimulant and reinforcing effects of cocaine analogs in squirrel monkeys

Although the behavioral-stimulant and reinforcing effects of cocaine and related psychomotor stimulants have been attributed to their actions at the dopamine transporter (DAT), the reinforcing effectiveness of these compounds varies. The properties that confer these differences are important considerations when developing agonist pharmacotherapies for the treatment of stimulant abuse. The present studies focused on the time course of action and pharmacological specificity of six 3-phenyltropane analogs of cocaine (RTI-112, RTI-126, RTI-150, RTI-171, RTI-177, and RTI-336) by observing their behavioral-stimulant, neurochemical, and reinforcing effects in squirrel monkeys. The faster-onset analogs (RTI-126, RTI-150, and RTI-336), and one of the slower-onset DAT selective analogs (RTI-177 and RTI-171) produced behavioral-stimulant effects, while the slower-onset nonselective analog RTI-112 did not. The time to the peak behavioral-stimulant effect and the peak caudate dopamine levels was strongly correlated, but the area under the curve of the time course of behavioral-stimulant effect and dopamine levels was not correlated. These results suggest that the rate of onset plays a more important role than duration of action in the stimulant effect of these analogs. In addition, the slower-onset nonselective analog (RTI-112) clearly did not exhibit any reinforcing effects while the faster-onset nonselective (RTI-126) and all the DAT-selective analogs showed robust reinforcing effects (RTI-150, and RTI-177) or showed trends towards reinforcing effects (RTI-336 and RTI-171). Hence, there was a general trend for compounds that had a faster onset and/or DAT selectivity to produce significant behavioral-stimulant and reinforcing effects.

Structure-activity relationship studies on a novel series of (S)-2beta-substituted 3alpha-[bis(4-fluoro- or 4-chlorophenyl)methoxy]tropane analogues for in vivo investigation

In general, 3alpha-(diphenylmethoxy)tropane (benztropine)-based dopamine uptake inhibitors do not demonstrate cocaine-like pharmacological activity in models of psychostimulant abuse and have been proposed as potential medications for the treatment of cocaine addiction. However, several (S)-2-carboalkoxy-substituted-3alpha-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]tropane analogues were discovered to stimulate locomotor activity and substitute in subjects trained to discriminate cocaine, suggesting a role of the 2-position substituent in mediating these cocaine-like actions. Herein, we describe the synthesis of a series of novel N- and 2-substituted-3alpha-[bis(4-fluoro- or 4-chlorophenyl)methoxy]tropane analogues. Most of these analogues demonstrated high affinity binding to the dopamine transporter (DAT; K(i) = 1.8-40 nM), and selectivity over the other monoamine transporters and muscarinic M(1) receptors. When the (S)-2-carboalkoxy substituent was replaced with (S)-2-ethenyl, the resulting analogue 11 demonstrated the highest DAT binding affinity in the series (K(i) = 1.81 nM) with DAT selectivity over serotonin transporters (SERT; 989-fold), norepinephrine transporters (NET; 261-fold) and muscarinic receptors (90-fold). When the 4'-F groups of compounds 5 (K(i) = 2.94 nM) and 8 (K(i) = 6.87 nM) were replaced with 4'-Cl in the (S)-2-carboalkoxy series, DAT binding affinities were slightly reduced (K(i) = 12.6 and 14.6 nM for 6 and 7, respectively), yet inhibition of dopamine uptake potency remained comparably high (IC(50) range = 1.5-2.5 nM). Interestingly, the 4'-Cl analogue (+/-)-6 substituted less in rats trained to discriminate cocaine than the 4'-F analogue (+/-)-5. These studies demonstrate that manipulation of the 2-, N-, and 3-position substituents in the 3alpha-(diphenylmethoxy)tropane class of dopamine uptake inhibitors can result in ligands with high affinity and selectivity for the DAT, and distinctive in vivo pharmacological profiles that cannot be predicted by their effects in vitro.

Structure-activity studies of 3'-4'-dichloro-meperidine analogues at dopamine and serotonin transporters

The structure-activity relationships of 3',4'-dichloro-meperidine were investigated at dopamine (DAT) and serotonin transporters (SERT). Large ester substituents and lipophilic groups at the 4-position favored molecular recognition at the SERT. The benzyl ester of 3',4'-dichloro-meperidine exhibited high potency and high selectivity for the SERT (DAT/SERT=760). Chemical modification of the ester group and N-substitution generally led to compounds with decreased DAT affinity. Only small esters and alkyl groups were tolerated at the 4-position of the meperidine ring system by the DAT. Overall, the meperidine analogues were generally more selective for the SERT than for the DAT.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of trans-3-phenyl-1-indanamines as potential norepinephrine transporter imaging agents

The development of radioligands suitable for studying the central nervous system (CNS) norepinephrine transporter (NET) in vivo will provide important new tools for examining the pathophysiology and pharmacotherapy of a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders including major depression. Towards this end, a series of trans-3-phenyl-1-indanamine derivatives were prepared and evaluated in vitro. The biological properties of the most promising compound, [(11)C]3-BrPA, were investigated in rat biodistribution and nonhuman primate PET studies. Despite high in vitro affinity for the human NET, the uptake of [(11)C]3-BrPA in the brain and the heart was not displaceable with pharmacological doses of NET antagonists.

CoMFA Study of Piperidine Analogues of Cocaine at the Dopamine Transporter: Exploring the Binding Mode of the 3α-Substituent of the Piperidine Ring Using Pharmacophore-Based Flexible Alignment

A 3D-QSAR CoMFA study of piperidine-based analogues of cocaine with flexible 3 alpha-substituents is described. A series of pharmacophore models were generated based on three representative compounds 1p, 2i, and 3c using the Genetic Algorithm Similarity Program (GASP) method. The flexible superposition of all studied compounds was performed for each pharmacophore model using the FlexS algorithm and the three-dimensional structure of 2i as a template. All sets of the overlaid structures with the top-ranked conformers were used for CoMFA modeling. Two best initial CoMFA models were selected and further optimized by identifying the best-fitting conformer of each compound. Compared with the initial models, the conventional correlation coefficients r(2) for the optimized models 1 and 2 were improved from 0.90 and 0.837 to 0.997 and 0.993, respectively. The leave-one-out cross-validated coefficients q(2) for the optimized models 1 and 2 were improved from 0.515 and 0.296 to 0.828 and 0.849, respectively. The results of the two CoMFA models suggest that both steric and electrostatic interactions play important roles in the binding of the 3 alpha-substituents of the piperidine-based analogues of cocaine. The contributions from steric and electrostatic fields for model 1 were 0.621 and 0.379, respectively. The contributions from steric and electrostatic fields for model 2 were 0.493 and 0.507, respectively. The two highly predictive CoMFA models indicate that the 3 alpha-substituent has two possible binding modes at the DAT. The CoMFA contour maps provide a visual representation of prospective binding modes of the 3 alpha-substituent of the piperidine-based analogues of cocaine and can be used to design novel DAT inhibitors that may be useful for the treatment of cocaine abuse and certain neurological disorders.

Synthesis, molecular modeling, and biological studies of novel piperidine-based analogues of cocaine: evidence of unfavorable interactions proximal to the 3alpha-position of the piperidine ring

A qualitative model for the binding pocket proximal to the 3alpha-substituent of the piperidine-based monoamine transporter ligands was proposed and tested. Based on this model, a new series of druglike 3alpha-modified piperidine-based analogues of cocaine were designed, synthesized, and studied for their ability to inhibit reuptake of DA, 5-HT, and NE by the DA, 5-HT, and NE transporters. We found that the insertion of at least one additional methylene group between the piperidine ring and the polar group in the 3alpha-substituent dramatically improves the activity of the compounds that are generally inactive without this additional linker. Molecular modeling analysis showed that the more flexible 3alpha-substituents can avoid unfavorable interactions with the binding sites of DAT, SERT, and NET. The present results may have important implications for the elucidation of the structural differences between DA, 5-HT, and NE transporters and for the further design of new leads for development of cocaine abuse medication as well as certain neurological disorders such as ADHD and depression.

Synthesis, monoamine transporter binding properties, and behavioral pharmacology of a series of 3beta-(substituted phenyl)-2beta-(3'-substituted isoxazol-5-yl)tropanes

Several 3beta-(substituted phenyl)-2beta-(3-substituted isoxazol-5-yl)tropanes (3a-t) were evaluated for their ability to inhibit radioligand binding at the DAT, 5-HTT, and NET as well as in gross observation and locomotor activity in mice and in rats trained to discriminate cocaine. All compounds showed high affinity for the DAT. The IC(50) values ranged from 0.5 to 26 nM. With the exception of 3e and 3f, which have no substituent on the 2beta-(1,2-isoxazole) ring, all compounds were selective for the DAT relative to the 5-HTT and NET. No compound showed death when dosed at 100 mg/kg; however, most compounds did show signs typical of dopamine activity. The ED(50) values for 2beta-(1,2-isoxazoles) that caused locomotor stimulation ranged from 0.2 to 12.8 mg/kg. Most compounds showed slower on-set and longer duration of action relative to cocaine. Surprisingly, 3beta-(4-methylphenyl)-2beta-[3-(4'-chlorophenyl)isoxazol-5-yl]tropane (3p) and 3beta-(4-methylphenyl)-2beta-[3-(4'-methylphenyl)isoxazol-5-yl]tropane (3r) did not produce significant increases in locomotor activity. In the cocaine discrimination test, all analogues showed full or at least 50% generalization with the exception of 3p, which did not show generalization. Importantly, both the locomotor activity and the cocaine discrimination ED(50)values were correlated with the DAT binding but not 5-HTT and NET binding. This provides further support for the dopamine hypothesis of cocaine abuse. High DAT affinity and selectivity, increased locomotor activity with slow onset and long duration of action, and generalization to cocaine shown by the 3beta-(substituted phenyl)-2beta-(3-substituted isoxazol-5-yl)tropanes are properties thought necessary for a pharmacotherapy for treating cocaine abuse.

Synthesis and Monoamine Transporter Binding of 2-(Diarylmethoxymethyl)-3β-aryltropane Derivatives

3 beta-Aryltropane analogues wherein the 2-position was substituted with various diarylmethoxyalkyl groups were synthesized and evaluated for binding at the dopamine transporter (DAT), serotonin transporter (SERT), norepinephrine transporter (NET), and muscarinic (M(1)) receptors. The 2 beta-analogues 9a-i generally demonstrated high to moderate binding affinities (K(i) = 34-112 nM) at the DAT with good selectivity over SERT, NET, and M(1) receptors. Alternatively, the 2 alpha-isomers 10a-i were 10-fold less potent at the DAT with poor selectivity over SERT. These SAR studies provide further evidence for the varied binding requirements of structurally diverse tropane-based ligands and support future studies to elucidate DAT binding requirements in relation to cocaine-like behavioral endpoints.

Dopamine transporter as target for drug development of cocaine dependence medications

Because much evidence implicates the dopamine transporter in the reinforcing effects of cocaine, development of potential medications for cocaine dependence has included the dopamine transporter as a target. The present overview covers progress in the drug development area regarding several classes of dopamine uptake inhibitors, with an emphasis on structure-activity relationships that enhance potency and selectivity at transporters for dopamine compared with those for serotonin or norepinephrine. The following categories of compounds are covered: tropane, benztropine, 1-[2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine (GBR), methylphenidate, mazindol, and phencyclidine analogs. Activity at transporters as well as on behavior is highlighted.

Biaryl analogues of conformationally constrained tricyclic tropanes as potent and selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors: synthesis and evaluation of their uptake inhibition at monoamine transporter sites

A series of novel conformationally constrained tricyclic tropane derivatives containing a biaryl moiety, (Z)-9-(biarylylmethylene)-7-azatricyclo[4.3.1.0(3,7)]decanes, were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to inhibit reuptake of dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), and norepinephrine (NE) by the DA, 5-HT, and NE transporters. Most of the compounds containing a methoxycarbonyl substituent at C-10 exhibit moderate to high inhibitory activity at the NET but lower activity at the DAT and SERT. Among these new compounds, some potent, NET-selective ligands were identified. The p-methoxy derivative 11a has a K(i) value of 39 nM for uptake inhibition at the NET and moderate to high selectivity over the SERT (100-fold) and the DAT (20-fold). Compound 11f exhibits a remarkable potency (K(i) = 9.7 nM) at the NET and a 25-fold selectivity over both the SERT and the DAT. Analogue 23 containing a thiophene ring as a bioisosteric replacement of the phenyl ring Ar(1) displays a high activity (K(i) = 10.3 nM) for the NET and similar selectivity over the SERT (50-fold) and the DAT (37-fold). The selectivity profile of biaryl analogues differs from that of the monoaryl series, as most members of that series display excellent potency at and selectivity for the SERT (J. Med. Chem. 2002, 45, 1930). This finding suggests that the different shape and size of the lipophilic recognition pocket that encompasses the aryl ring(s) of these tropanes are major determinants of a ligand's transporter activity at either the NET or the SERT. Some of the compounds in this series may also be valuable in sorting out the contribution of the individual transporters to cocaine's reinforcing properties.

5-Substituted-1H-tetrazoles as carboxylic acid isosteres: medicinal chemistry and synthetic methods

5-Substituted-1H-tetrazoles (RCN4H) are often used as metabolism-resistant isosteric replacements for carboxylic acids (RCO2H) in SAR-driven medicinal chemistry analogue syntheses. This review provides a brief summary of the medicinal chemistry of tetrazolic acids and highlights some examples of tetrazole-containing drug substances in the current literature. A survey of representative literature procedures for the preparation of 5-substituted-1H-tetrazoles, focusing on preparations from aryl and alkyl nitriles, is presented in sections by generalized synthetic methods.

Structure-activity relationship studies of ethyl 2-[(3-methyl-2,5-dioxo(3-pyrrolinyl))amino]-4-(trifluoromethyl)pyrimidine-5-carboxylate: an inhibitor of AP-1 and NF-kappaB mediated gene expression

Several analogues of ethyl 2-[(3-methyl-2,5-dioxo(3-pyrrolinyl))amino]-4-(trifluoromethyl)pyrimidine-5-carboxylate (1) were synthesized and tested as inhibitors of AP-1 and NF-kappaB mediated transcriptional activation in Jurkat T cells. From our SAR work, ethyl 2-[(3-methyl-2,5-dioxo(3-pyrrolinyl))-N-methylamino]-4-(trifluoromethyl)-pyrimidine-5-carboxylate was identified as a novel and potent inhibitor.

Three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationships of mazindol analogues at the dopamine transporter

A three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) study was performed on a series of mazindol analogues using the comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) method with their corresponding binding affinities for the displacement of [(3)H]WIN 35 428 from rat caudate putamen tissue. The cross-validated CoMFA models were derived from a training set of 50 compounds, and the predictive ability of the resulting CoMFA models was evaluated against a test set of 21 compounds. A set of alignment rules was derived to superimpose these compounds onto a template structure, mazindol (1). These CoMFA models yielded significant cross-validated r(2)(cv) values. Inclusion of additional descriptors did not improve the significance of the CoMFA models; thus, steric and electrostatic fields are the relevant descriptors for these compounds. The best QSAR model was selected on the basis of the predictive ability of the activity on the external test set of compounds. The analysis of coefficient contour maps provided further insight into the binding interactions of mazindol analogues with the DAT. The aromatic rings C and D are involved in hydrophobic interactions in which ring D may bind in a large hydrophobic groove. The relative orientation of these two rings is also important for high binding affinity to the DAT.

Probes for the dopamine transporter: new leads toward a cocaine-abuse therapeutic--A focus on analogues of benztropine and rimcazole

In an attempt to discover a cocaine-abuse pharmacotherapeutic, extensive investigation has been directed toward elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the reinforcing effects of this psychostimulant drug. The results of these studies have been consistent with the inhibition of dopamine uptake, at the dopamine transporter (DAT), which results in a rapid and excessive accumulation of extracellular dopamine in the synapse as being the mechanism primarily responsible for the locomotor stimulant actions of cocaine. Nevertheless, investigation of the serotonin (SERT) and norepinephrine (NET) transporters, as well as other receptor systems, with which cocaine either directly or indirectly interacts, has suggested that the DAT is not solely responsible for the reinforcing effects of cocaine. In an attempt to further elucidate the roles of these systems in the reinforcing effects of cocaine, selective molecular probes, in the form of drug molecules, have been designed, synthesized, and characterized. Many of these compounds bind potently and selectively to the DAT, block dopamine reuptake, and are behaviorally cocaine-like in animal models of psychostimulant abuse. However, there have been exceptions noted in several classes of dopamine uptake inhibitors that demonstrate behavioral profiles that are distinctive from cocaine. Structure-activity relationships between chemically diverse dopamine uptake inhibitors have suggested that different binding interactions, at the molecular level on the DAT, as well as divergent actions at the other monoamine transporters may be related to the differing pharmacological actions of these compounds, in vivo. These studies suggest that novel dopamine uptake inhibitors, which are structurally and pharmacologically distinct from cocaine, may be developed as potential cocaine-abuse therapeutics.

Rearrangement of a mesylate tropane intermediate in nucleophilic substitution reactions. Synthesis of aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]octane and aza-bicyclo[3.2.2]nonane ethers, imides, and amines

Nucleophilic substitution of 2beta-mesyloxymethyl-N-methyl-3beta-p-tolyl-tropane intermediate with alkoxides, metal imides, or amines was found to lead not only to the expected bicyclo[3.2.1]octane (tropane) ether, imide, and amine derivatives but also to unexpected bicyclo[3.2.2]nonane derivatives. When alkoxides were used as nucleophile, only the rearranged bicyclo[3.2.2]nonane structure was obtained, whereas the use of amines or imides as nucleophile afforded a mixture of the two structures. The bicyclo[3.2.2]nonane structure was assigned by NMR analysis.

An analysis of the binding of cocaine analogues to the monoamine transporters using tensor decomposition 3-d QSAR

The conformation and alignment of cocaine analogues bound to the monoamine transporter proteins were explored using the tensor decomposition 3-D QSAR method. It is proposed from these calculations that the bound conformation of these ligands to the three transporter proteins has the 3beta-aryl substituent in a conformation in which the aryl group is orthogonal or approximately orthogonal to the tropane ring. Based on these results, rigid and semi-rigid tropane analogues were designed, synthesized and their affinities for the monoamine transporters were determined.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 2-substituted 3beta-tolyltropane derivatives at dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine transporters

A series of eight 2-substituted 3-tolyltropane derivatives were synthesized, and the in vitro and in vivo biological activities as dopamine uptake inhibitors were determined. From the in vitro structure-activity data, it is apparent that a tolyl group in the 2-position, independent of the stereochemical attachment to the tropane ring system, provided compounds (9-12, 14) that exhibit high-affinity binding at the dopamine transporter (DAT). Although a slight stereochemical preference in binding affinity at the DAT was observed for the 2beta-(R)-alcohol 10 over the 2beta-(S)-isomer 11, no significant differences in behavioral effects were observed. Furthermore, despite a relatively low potency of 10 for the inhibition of dopamine uptake compared to its affinity for the DAT, its behavioral profile did not vary significantly from cocaine. These data indicate that a behavioral characterization of compounds is a critical feature of efforts to discover pharmacological treatments for cocaine abuse.

PET imaging of dopamine transporters in the human brain using [(11)C]-beta-CPPIT, a cocaine derivative lacking the 2 beta-ester function

The compound 3 beta-(4'-chlorophenyl)-2 beta-(3'-phenylisoxazol-5'-yl)tropane (CPPIT or RTI 177) is a 2beta-heterocyclic substituted cocaine congener with high in vitro selectivity and affinity for the dopamine transporter relative to serotonin and norepinephrine transporters. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vivo selectivity of [(11)C]-beta-CPPIT and to determine whether [(11)C]-beta-CPPIT may be a suitable alternative to existing DAT PET radioligands. [(11)C]-beta-CPPIT was prepared by N-alkylation of the free amine with [(11)C]methyl iodide. In mouse brain, the striatal binding of [(11)C]-beta-CPPIT was reduced significantly by preinjecting the dopamine reuptake antagonist GBR 12909 (5 mg/kg). By contrast, radioactivity uptake in the brain was not affected significantly by the preinjection of citalopram (5 mg/kg) and desipramine (5 mg/kg), inhibitors for the serotonin and norepinephrine transporters, respectively. No effect was also observed by pretreatment with ketanserin (2.5 mg/kg) a compound with high affinity for the 5-HT(2A)-receptor and the vesicular monoamine transporter. In a PET study with six healthy volunteers high striatal uptake was observed. The distribution pattern of [(11)C]-beta-CPPIT was similar to the known distribution of the dopamine transporter in the human brain. Compared to (123)I labeled beta-CIT, the rate of metabolic degradation of [(11)C]-beta-CPPIT was almost twofold slower suggesting that bioisosteric heterocyclic substitution of the ester group at the 2 beta-position of the tropane ring does have an influence on the rate of metabolism of [(11)C]-beta-CPPIT. The rank order of the distribution volumes obtained via the one-tissue compartment model is also similar to the reported distribution of DAT. These preliminary results suggest that [(11)C]-beta-CPPIT may be a useful PET radioligand for the visualization and quantification of dopamine transporters in man.

Locomotor stimulant effects of novel phenyltropanes in the mouse

With the hypothesis that 3-phenyltropane analogs of cocaine might be useful as cocaine medications, 17 analogs (RTI-51, RTI-55, RTI-108, RTI-112, RTI-113, RTI-116, RTI-120, RTI-121, RTI-126, RTI-139, RTI-141, RTI-150, RTI-171, RTI-177, RTI-199, RTI-204, and RTI-219) were characterized for their potency and selectivity at the monoamine transporters in a previous study. Based on their affinities to the transporters in this earlier study, the analogs were classified as nonselective (cocaine, RTI-51, RTI-55, RTI-108, RTI-112, RTI-116, RTI-126, and RTI-139) or dopamine transporter (DAT) selective (RTI-113, RTI-120, RTI-121, RTI-141, RTI-150, RTI-171, RTI-177, RTI-199, RTI-204, and RTI-219). In the present study, the locomotor stimulating effects of these analogs were compared to those of cocaine to obtain a measure of in vivo activity. Each analog was more potent than cocaine in the in vivo assay, as observed in the earlier in vitro studies. Most of these compounds were as efficacious as cocaine, but RTI-51, RTI-108, RTI-113, RTI-121, RTI-139, RTI-141, RTI-177, RTI-204, and RTI-219 were longer acting. Although no correlation between chemical structure and transporter selectivity was found, the short-acting DAT-selective analogs, RTI-120, RTI-150, RTI-171, and RTI-199, all contained a methyl group in the X position of the WIN 35,065-2 molecule. The positive correlation of the IC(50)s for the DAT to potencies for increasing locomotor activity suggested that binding to DAT was responsible for some, if not most, of the locomotor effects of these compounds. Several compounds, including RTI-113 and RTI-177, exhibited properties ideal for medications for cocaine abusers, such as an equivalent efficacy, a higher potency, and a longer duration of action as compared to cocaine.

[(125)I]3beta-(4-ethyl-3-iodophenyl)nortropane-2beta-carboxylic acid methyl ester ([(125)I]EINT): a potent and selective radioligand for the brain serotonin transporter

The binding characteristics of [(125)I]3beta-(4-ethyl-3-iodophenyl)nortropane-2beta-carboxylic acid methyl ester ([(125)I]EINT), a high-affinity selective ligand for the serotonin transporter (5-HTT), and its binding characteristics to rat brain membranes were determined. [(125)I]EINT binding to rat cerebral cortex membranes was saturable and reversible, and its specific binding represented approximately 90% of the total binding. [(125)I]EINT labeled a single site with K(d) = 0.22 +/- 0.03 nM and B(max) = 583 +/- 38 fmol/mg protein. Kinetic analysis revealed a t(1/2) for association and dissociation of 20 and 24 min, respectively. Pharmacological characterization of [(125)I]EINT confirmed its high specificity for the 5-HTT. The pattern of brain region distribution in vivo of intravenously administered [(125)I]EINT indicated greater accumulation of the radioligand in 5-HTT-rich brain regions. However, the signal-to-background ratio was low. Thus, [(125)I]EINT appears to be a useful radioligand for studying the 5-HTT in vitro, but it may not be a good in vivo ligand.

3alpha-(4-Substituted phenyl)nortropane-2beta-carboxylic acid methyl esters show selective binding at the norepinephrine transporter

A series of 3alpha-(4-substituted)nortropane-2beta-carboxylic acid methyl esters was synthesized and evaluated for the ability to inhibit radioligand binding at the dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine transporters. 3alpha-(4-Methylphenyl)nortropane-2beta-carboxylic acid methyl ester (4c) was found to be selective and highly potent for the norepinephrine transporter (NET) relative to the dopamine and serotonin transporters.

2-Carbomethoxy-3-aryl-8-bicyclo[3.2.1]octanes: potent non-nitrogen inhibitors of monoamine transporters

Cocaine is a potent central nervous system stimulant with severe addiction liability. Its reinforcing and stimulant properties derive from inhibition of monoamine transport systems, in particular the dopamine transporter (DAT). This inhibition results in an increase in synaptic dopamine with subsequent stimulation of postsynaptic dopamine receptors. A wide variety of ligands manifest potent inhibition of the DAT, and these ligands include 3-aryltropane as well as 8-oxa-3-aryltropane analogues of cocaine. There has been considerable effort to determine structure-activity relationships of cocaine and congeners, and it is becoming clear that these inhibitors do not all interact with the DAT in the same manner. The functional role of the 8-heteroatom is the focus of this study. We describe the preparation and biology of a series of 2-carbomethoxy-3-arylbicyclo[3.2.1]octane analogues. Results show that methylene substitution of the amine or ether function of the 8-hetero-2-carbomethoxy-3-arylbicyclo[3.2.1]octanes yields potent inhibitors of monoamine transport. Therefore neither nitrogen nor oxygen are prerequisites for binding of tropane-like ligands to monoamine transporters.

Novel inhibitors of AP-1 and NF-kappaB mediated gene expression: structure-activity relationship studies of ethyl 4-[(3-methyl-2,5-dioxo(3-pyrrolinyl))amino]-2-(trifluoromethyl)++ +pyrimidi ne-5-carboxylate

In an effort to identify novel inhibitors of AP-1 and NF-kappaB mediated transcriptional activation, several analogues of ethyl 4-[(3-methyl-2,5-dioxo(3-pyrrolinyl))amino]-2-(trifluoromethyl)pyr imidine-5-carboxylate (1) were synthesized and tested in two in vitro assays. The 2-(2'-thienyl) substituted compound (11) was identified as the most potent in this series.

Serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine transporters in the central nervous system and their inhibitors

An overview is presented on progress made in the research on neuronal transporters of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in the central nervous system. Tools developed by molecular biology, such as expression of cloned transporters, their mutants and chimera in non-neuronal cells offered the opportunity to study the putative domains for binding of substrates and uptake inhibitors and discover factors in the regulation of the transporter function. The study of the distribution of monoamine transporters in human brain became possible by the development of selective radiolabelled transport inhibitors. The relationships between the chemical structure of the uptake inhibitors and the affinity for the monoamine transporters is reported, and the (potential) therapeutic applications of the compounds are discussed.

Highly selective chiral N-substituted 3alpha-[bis(4'-fluorophenyl)methoxy]tropane analogues for the dopamine transporter: synthesis and comparative molecular field analysis

In a continuing effort to further characterize the role of the dopamine transporter in the pharmacological effects of cocaine, a series of chiral and achiral N-substituted analogues of 3alpha-[bis(4'-fluorophenyl)methoxy]tropane (5) has been prepared as potential selective dopamine transporter ligands. These novel compounds displaced [(3)H]WIN 35,428 binding from the dopamine transporter in rat caudate putamen with K(i) values ranging from 13. 9 to 477 nM. Previously, it was reported that 5 demonstrated a significantly higher affinity for the dopamine transporter than the parent drug, 3alpha-(diphenylmethoxy)tropane (3; benztropine). However, 5 remained nonselective over muscarinic m(1) receptors (dopamine transporter, K(i) = 11.8 nM; m(1), K(i) = 11.6 nM) which could potentially confound the interpretation of behavioral data, for this compound and other members of this series. Thus, significant effort has been directed toward developing analogues that retain high affinity at the dopamine transporter but have decreased affinity at muscarinic sites. Recently, it was discovered that by replacing the N-methyl group of 5 with the phenyl-n-butyl substituent (6) retention of high binding affinity at the dopamine transporter (K(i) = 8.51 nM) while decreasing affinity at muscarinic receptors (K(i) = 576 nM) was achieved, resulting in 68-fold selectivity. In the present series, a further improvement in the selectivity for the dopamine transporter was accomplished, with the chiral analogue (S)-N-(2-amino-3-methyl-n-butyl)-3alpha-[bis(4'-fluorophenyl)metho xy] tropane (10b) showing a 136-fold selectivity for the dopamine transporter versus muscarinic m(1) receptors (K(i) = 29.5 nM versus K(i) = 4020 nM, respectively). In addition, a comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) model was derived to correlate the binding affinities of all the N-substituted 3alpha-[bis(4'-fluorophenyl)methoxy]tropane analogues that we have prepared with their 3D-structural features. The best model (q(2) = 0. 746) was used to accurately predict binding affinities of compounds in the training set and in a test set. The CoMFA coefficient contour plot for this model, which provides a visual representation of the chemical environment of the binding domain of the dopamine transporter, can now be used to design and/or predict the binding affinities of novel drugs within this class of dopamine uptake inhibitors.

N-phenylalkyl-substituted tropane analogs of boat conformation with high selectivity for the dopamine versus serotonin transporter

A series of N-phenylalkyl-substituted tropane analogs of boat conformation was synthesized, and these tropanes were evaluated for their ability to inhibit high affinity uptake of dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) into striatal nerve endings (synaptosomes). Some of these compounds exhibit high affinity for the DA transporter with a 5-HT/DA transporter selectivity ratio of >50.

CoMFA study of novel phenyl ring-substituted 3alpha-(diphenylmethoxy)tropane analogues at the dopamine transporter

A series of phenyl ring-substituted analogues of 3alpha-(diphenylmethoxy)tropane (benztropine) has been prepared as novel probes for the dopamine transporter. Cross-validated comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) models of the binding domain on the dopamine transporter were constructed using 37 geometry-optimized structures of these compounds and their corresponding binding affinities (K(i) values) for the displacement of [(3)H]WIN 35,428 or potency of [(3)H]dopamine uptake inhibition (IC(50) values) in rat caudate putamen tissue. The most predictive model (q(2) = 0.78) correlated the steric component of CoMFA to the dependent variable of [(3)H]WIN 35,428 binding affinities. A novel series of seven phenyl ring-substituted analogues of 3alpha-(diphenylmethoxy)tropane was prepared, and our best molecular model was used to accurately predict their binding affinities. This study is the first to provide a CoMFA model for this class of dopamine uptake inhibitors. This model represents an advancement in the design of novel dopamine transporter ligands, based on 3alpha-(diphenylmethoxy)tropane, and further substantiates structure-activity relationships that have previously been proposed for this class of compounds. This CoMFA model can now be used to predict the binding affinities of novel 3alpha-(diphenylmethoxy)tropane analogues at the dopamine transporter and will be useful in the design of molecular probes within this class of dopamine uptake inhibitors.

Synthesis and dopamine transporter affinity of the four stereoisomers of (+/-)-2-(methoxycarbonyl)-7-methyl-3-phenyl-7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane

All four stereoisomers of (+/-)-2-(methoxycarbonyl)-7-methyl-3-phenyl-7-azabicyclo[2.2. 1]heptane were synthesized and evaluated as cocaine binding site ligands at the dopamine transporter. The in vitro binding affinities (Ki) of the 7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane derivatives were measured in rat caudate-putamen tissue and found to be 100-3000-fold less potent (Ki = 5-96 microM) than cocaine and 2beta-(methoxycarbonyl)-3beta-phenyltropane (2, WIN 35,065-2). Surprisingly, the 3alpha-phenyl isomers (6c, 6d) were more potent than the 3beta-phenyl isomers (6a, 6b). Molecular modeling studies revealed that the rigid 7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane derivatives possess molecular topologies which are significantly different than the molecular topologies of the 2beta-(methoxycarbonyl)-3-phenyltropanes.

Potent and selective ligands for the dopamine transporter (DAT): structure-activity relationship studies of novel 4-[2-(diphenylmethoxy)ethyl]-1-(3-phenylpropyl)piperidine analogues

Molecular structural modifications of 4-[2-(diphenylmethoxy)ethyl]-1-(3-phenylpropyl)piperidine (1a), a dopamine transporter (DAT)-specific ligand, generated several novel analogues. Biological activities of these new molecules for their binding to the DAT and serotonin transporter (SERT) were evaluated in rat striatal membranes. Some of these new analogues were more potent and selective than GBR 12909 when their binding to the DAT relative to SERT was compared. Thus compounds 9 and 19a were among the most potent (IC50 = 6.6 and 6.0 nM, respectively) and selective (DAT/SERT = 33.8 and 30.0, respectively) compounds in this series, and they were more active than GBR 12909 (IC50 = 14 nM, DAT/SERT = 6.1). Introduction of a double bond in the N-propyl side chain of these molecules did not influence their activities to a great extent. Bioisosteric replacement of the aromatic phenyl group by a thiophene moiety produced some of the most potent compounds in this series.

Synthesis, structure, dopamine transporter affinity, and dopamine uptake inhibition of 6-alkyl-3-benzyl-2-[(methoxycarbonyl)methyl]tropane derivatives

A series of 6-alkyl-3 beta-benzyl-2-[(methoxycarbonyl)methyl]tropane analogues were synthesized and evaluated as cocaine binding site ligands at the dopamine transporter (DAT). The in vitro affinity (Ki) for the DAT of the 6-alkyl-3 beta-benzyl-2-[(methoxycarbonyl) methyl]tropane analogues was determined by inhibition of [3H]WIN 35,428 in rat caudate putamen tissue. The inhibition of dopamine uptake (IC50) was also measured for selected compounds which demonstrated moderate affinity for the dopamine transporter. The unsubstituted enantiopure analogues (-)-19a (Ki = 33 nM) and surprisingly (+)-20a (Ki = 60 nM) were found to be almost equipotent with the high-affinity binding components of cocaine and WIN 35,065-2 and exhibited slightly more potent dopamine uptake inhibition than both cocaine and WIN 35,065-2. In general, substitution at the 6-position of racemic 19a and 20a with alkyl groups was found to result in decreased activity relative to increased chain length of the substituent. The 3 beta-benzyl-2 beta-[(methoxycarbonyl)methyl]-6 beta-methyltropane (21b; Ki = 57 nM) was the only 6-alkyl derivative to exhibit moderately potent activity. The 6 beta-isomer 21b was 4-fold more potent than the 6 alpha-isomer 19b (Ki = 211 nM) and was nearly equipotent with (-)-19a and (+)-20a as well as with cocaine and WIN 35,065-2. The results of this study further demonstrate the steric constraints associated with the C(6)-C(7) methylene bridge of the tropane ring system for molecular recognition of cocaine analogues at the cocaine binding site(s) on the DAT.