7-Methyl-6,7,8,9,14,15-hexahydro-5H-benz[d]indolo[2,3-g]azecine: a new heterocyclic system and a new lead compound for dopamine receptor antagonists

Synthesis of 10-Membered Azecines through Pd-Catalyzed Formal [6+4] Cycloaddition and Their Transannular Reaction to Polycyclic Compounds

Azecine fragments are frequently presented in natural products and bioactive compounds. However, minor efforts have been devoted to these 10-membered N-heterocycles, and their synthesis is still challenging. Reported herein is the first catalytic formal [6+4] cycloaddition for the synthesis of 10-membered azecines. Under palladium catalysis, the reaction of δ-vinylvalerolactones and benzofuran-derived azadienes proceeds smoothly to afford benzofuran-fused azecines with high diastereoselectivity in moderate to good yields. A unique transannular reaction of these 10-membered azecines for the construction of polycyclic compounds is also demonstrated.

A Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for the Simultaneous Estimation of the Dopamine Receptor Antagonist LE300 and Its N-methyl Metabolite in Plasma: Application to a Pharmacokinetic Study

LE300 is a novel dopamine receptor antagonist used to treat cocaine addiction. In the current study, a sensitive and fast liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has been established and validated for the simultaneous analysis of LE300 and its N-methyl metabolite, MLE300, in rat plasma with an application in a pharmacokinetic study. The chromatographic elution of LE300, MLE300, and Ponatinib (IS, internal standard), was carried out on a 50 mm C₁₈ analytical column (ID: 2.1 mm and particle size: 1.8 μm) maintained at 22 ± 2 °C. The run time was 5 min at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The mobile phase consisted of 42% aqueous solvent (10 mM ammonium formate, pH: 4.2 with formic acid) and 58% organic solvent (acetonitrile). Plasma samples were pretreated using protein precipitation with acetonitrile. The electrospray ionization (ESI) source was used to generate an ion-utilizing positive mode. A multiple reaction monitoring mass analyzer mode was utilized for the quantification of analytes. The linearity of the calibration curves in rat plasma ranged from 1 to 200 ng/mL (r² = 0.9997) and from 2 to 200 ng/mL (r² = 0.9984) for LE300 and MLE300, respectively. The lower limits of detection (LLOD) were 0.3 ng/mL and 0.7 ng/mL in rat plasma for LE300 and MLE300, respectively. Accuracy (RE%) ranged from -1.71% to -0.07% and -4.18% to -1.48% (inter-day), and from -3.3% to -1.47% and -4.89% to -2.15% (intra-day) for LE300 and MLE300, respectively. The precision (RSD%) was less than 2.43% and 1.77% for the inter-day, and 2.77% and 1.73% for intra-day of LE300 and MLE300, respectively. These results are in agreement with FDA guidelines. The developed LC-MS/MS method was applied in a pharmacokinetic study in Wistar rats. T_max and C_max were 2 h and 151.12 ± 12.5 ng/mL for LE300, and 3 h and 170.4 ± 23.3 ng/mL for MLE300.

Robust and Fast UV–HPLC Method for Biotransformation Analysis of Azecines

Dibenzoazecines are a new class of drug candidates for the treatment of schizophrenia. Compared to the drugs currently used in therapy, the azecines have a novel mechanism of action. Thus, they have the potential to cause fewer side effects compared to the standard therapy with a constant high neuroleptic potency. This theory was substantiated by comparative in vivo tests with haloperidol and risperidone. Seventeen new azecine derivatives have already been tested furthermore of stability, physicochemical parameters, pharmacokinetics including esterase cleavage, stability in simulated gastrointestinal fluid, stability at different pH values and determination of octanol/water-partition coefficients. For these substances, class is still a lack of information concerning the metabolism. Therefore, the present study investigated and developed a reliable and reproducible gradient reversed-phase HPLC–UV method to determinate the lead structure LE404 alongside emerging metabolites in compliance with international requirements like ICH guidelines and the European Pharmacopoeia. Up to now, there is no innovative method suitable for such a determination. Chromatographic separations were achieved with a phenomenex™ Gemini column (5 µm C18 110 Å, 250 × 4.60 mm) using a mixture of acetonitrile/potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer (4 mmol L−1, pH 2.5) as mobile phase. The gradient method flow rate was 1.0 mL min−1, and UV detection was made at 220 nm. The optimized HPLC method was found to be specific, accurate, reproducible and robust for determination of LE404.

Iodine(iii) promoted ring-rearrangement reaction of 1-arylamino-2-oxocyclopentane-1-carbonitriles to synthesize N-aryl-δ-valerolactams

Environmentally benign hypervalent iodine(iii) has been utilised selectively for carbocyclic to heterocyclic ring transformation under various electronic conditions with detailed structural and mechanistic investigation.

First synthesis of heterocyclic allenes – benzazecine derivatives

Benzazecines with an allene fragment were prepared for the first time and in high yields via tandem reaction of 1-phenylethynyl-1-methyl(benzyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines with activated alkynes in trifluoroethanol.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel Tetrahydroprotoberberine Derivatives (THPBs) as Selective α1A-Adrenoceptor Antagonists

A novel series of tetrahydroprotoberberine derivatives (THPBs) were designed, synthesized, and evaluated as selective α_1A-adrenergic receptors (AR) antagonists for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. On the basis of the pharmacophore model of the marketed drug silodosin, THPBs were modified by introducing an indole segment into their core scaffolds. In calcium assays, 7 out of 32 compounds displayed excellent antagonistic activities against α_1A-ARs, with IC₅₀ less than 250 nM. Among them, compound (S)-27 had the most potent biological activity; its IC₅₀ toward α_1A-AR was 12.8 ± 2.2 nM, which is 781 and 20 times more selective than that toward α_1B- and α_1D-AR, respectively. In the functional assay using isolated rat tissues, compound (S)-27 inhibited norepinephrine-induced urethra smooth muscle contraction potently (IC₅₀ = 0.5 ± 0.3 nM), without inhibiting the aortic contraction (IC₅₀ > 1000 nM), displaying a better tissue selectivity than the marketed drug silodosin. Additional results of preliminary safety studies (acute toxicity and hERG inhibition) and pharmacokinetics studies indicated the potential druggability for compound (S)-27 which is a promising lead for the development of selective α_1A-AR antagonists for the treatment of BPH.

Polypharmacology of dopamine receptor ligands

Most neurological diseases have a multifactorial nature and the number of molecular mechanisms discovered as underpinning these diseases is continuously evolving. The old concept of developing selective agents for a single target does not fit with the medical need of most neurological diseases. The development of designed multiple ligands holds great promises and appears as the next step in drug development for the treatment of these multifactorial diseases. Dopamine and its five receptor subtypes are intimately involved in numerous neurological disorders. Dopamine receptor ligands display a high degree of cross interactions with many other targets including G-protein coupled receptors, transporters, enzymes and ion channels. For brain disorders like Parkinsońs disease, schizophrenia and depression the dopaminergic system, being intertwined with many other signaling systems, plays a key role in pathogenesis and therapy. The concept of designed multiple ligands and polypharmacology, which perfectly meets the therapeutic needs for these brain disorders, is herein discussed as a general ligand-based concept while focusing on dopaminergic agents and receptor subtypes in particular.

Chemical Control of Grafted Human PSC-Derived Neurons in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease

Transplantation of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived neurons is a promising avenue for treating disorders including Parkinson's disease (PD). Precise control over engrafted cell activity is highly desired, as cells do not always integrate properly into host circuitry and can cause suboptimal graft function or undesired outcomes. Here, we show tunable rescue of motor function in a mouse model of PD, following transplantation of human midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons differentiated from hPSCs engineered to express DREADDs (designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drug). Administering clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) enabled precise DREADD-dependent stimulation or inhibition of engrafted neurons, revealing D1 receptor-dependent regulation of host neuronal circuitry by engrafted cells. Transplanted cells rescued motor defects, which could be reversed or enhanced by CNO-based control of graft function, and activating engrafted cells drives behavioral changes in transplanted mice. These results highlight the ability to exogenously and noninvasively control and refine therapeutic outcomes following cell transplantation.

Hg/Pt-catalyzed conversion of bromo alkynamines/alkynols to saturated and unsaturated γ-butyrolactams/lactones via intramolecular electrophilic cyclization

Convenient and general Hg(ii)/Pt(iv) catalyzed syntheses of γ-butyrolactams and α,β-unsaturated γ-butyrolactones/lactams are described via intramolecular electrophilic cyclizations of bromoalkynes with tosylamino and hydroxyl tethers. The reaction features the use of wet solvents, the exclusion of any base and additive, mild conditions and practical yields. We also synthesised few chiral lactams through this pathway. Additionally, it is shown that the NHTs group distanced further from the homopropargylic position assists regioselective bromoalkyne hydration to yield useful α-bromoketones. Furthermore, Boc protected bromo homo propargyl amines undergo 6-endo-dig cyclization through Boc oxygen to give bromomethylene substituted oxazinones.

Iridium-catalyzed single-step N-substituted lactam synthesis from lactones and amines

Catalytic lactam synthesis was achieved directly from lactones and amines using an Ir catalyst. Three sequential transformations—aminolysis of lactone, N-alkylation of amine with hydroxyamide, and intramolecular transamidation of aminoamide—afforded the corresponding N-substituted lactams.

Inhibitory effects of dopamine on spinal synaptic transmission via dopamine D1-like receptors in neonatal rats

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Dopamine released from the endings of descending dopaminergic nerve fibres in the spinal cord may be involved in modulating functions such as locomotion and nociception. Here, we examined the effects of dopamine on spinal synaptic transmissions in rats.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Spinal reflex potentials, monosynaptic reflex potential (MSR) and slow ventral root potential (sVRP), were measured in the isolated spinal cord of the neonatal rat. Dopamine release was measured by HPLC.

KEY RESULTS

Dopamine at lower concentrations (<1 µM) depressed sVRP, which is a C fibre-evoked polysynaptic response and believed to reflect nociceptive transmission. At higher concentrations (>1 µM), in addition to a potent sVRP depression, dopamine depolarized baseline potential and slightly depressed MSR. Depression of sVRP by dopamine was partially reversed by dopamine D(1) -like but not by D(2) -like receptor antagonists. SKF83959 and SKF81297, D(1) -like receptor agonists, and methamphetamine, an endogenous dopamine releaser, also caused the inhibition of sVRP. Methamphetamine also depressed MSR, which was inhibited by ketanserin, a 5-HT(2A/2C) receptor antagonist. Methamphetamine induced the release of dopamine and 5-HT from spinal cords, indicating that the release of endogenous dopamine and 5-HT depresses sVRP and MSR respectively.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

These results suggested that dopamine at lower concentrations preferentially inhibited sVRP, which is mediated via dopamine D(1) -like and other unidentified receptors. The dopamine-evoked depression is involved in modulating the spinal functions by the descending dopaminergic pathways.

Novel fused pyrrole heterocyclic ring systems as structure analogs of LE 300: Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation as serotonin 5-HT(2A), dopamine and histamine H(1) receptor ligands

LE 300 represents a structurally novel type of antagonists acting preferentially at the dopamine D(1)/D(5 )receptors and the serotonin 5-HT(2A )receptor. This compound consists of a ten-membered central azecine ring fused to an indole ring on one side and a benzene moiety on the other side. To estimate the importance of the indole and / or phenyl moieties in this highly active benz-indolo-azecine, both rings were removed and replaced with a 1H-pyrrole counterpart. Accordingly, some new analogs of LE 300 namely, pyrrolo[2,3-g]indolizine, pyrrolo[3,2-a]quinolizine rings and their corresponding dimethylpyrrolo[2,3-d]azonine, and dimethylpyrrolo[2,3-d]azecine were synthesized to be evaluated for their activity at the 5-HT(2A) and dopamine D(1), D(2L), D(4), D(5) receptors in relation to LE 300. In addition, their activity at the H(1)-histamine receptors was also determined. The results suggested that the rigid pyrrolo[2,3-g]indolizine 7 and pyrrolo[3,2-a]quinolizine 8 analogs lacked biological activity in the adopted three bioassays. However, their corresponding flexible pyrrolo[2,3-d]azonine 11 and pyrrolo[2,3-d]azecine 12 derivatives revealed weak partial agonistic activity and weak antagonistic potency at the serotonin 5-HT(2A )and histamine H(1 )receptors, respectively. Meanwhile, they showed no affinity to any of the four utilized dopamine receptors. Variation in ring size did not contribute to a significant influence on the three tested bioactivities. Removal of the hydrophobic moiety (phenyl ring) and replacement of the indole moiety with a 1H-pyrrole counterpart led to a dramatic alteration in the profile of activity of such azecine-type compounds.

Dopamine/serotonin receptor ligands. Part 15: Oxygenation of the benz-indolo-azecine LE 300 leads to novel subnanomolar dopamine D1/D5 antagonists

Relying on the high affinities of the benz-indolo-azecine LE 300 (1) and the hydroxylated dibenz-azecine LE 404 (2b) for the D1/D5 receptor subtypes, we synthesized methoxylated, hydroxylated and an indole-N methylated derivatives of 1 (Fig. 1). Hydroxylation of azecine derivatives is beneficial with regard to the affinities and selectivities for all the dopamine receptor subtypes. The 'serotonin-derived' 3-oxygenated target compounds but not the 11-oxygenated analogues were superior to the unsubstituted LE 300. 11-Methoxy-7,14-dimethyl-6,7,8,9,14,15-hexahydro-5H-indolo[3,2-f][3]benzazecine (3e) was found to be the most potent antagonist at D2/D3/D4 and D5 receptor subtypes (Ki for D5 = 0.23 nmol) of all known benz-indolo-azecines.

Dopamine/Serotonin Receptor Ligands. 13: Homologization of a Benzindoloazecine-Type Dopamine Receptor Antagonist Modulates the Affinities for Dopamine D1−D5 Receptors

Enlarging the 10-membered ring of 7-methyl-6,7,8,9,14,15-hexahydro-5H-indolo[3,2-f][3]benzazecine (1, LE 300) yielded two homologue antagonists. Their affinities and inhibitory activities at D(1)-D(5) receptors were measured by radioligand binding experiments and a functional Ca(2+) assay. Compared to 1, phenylpropyl homologue 3 was superior in selectivity and affinity for the D(5) subtype (K(i) = 0.6 nM), whereas the affinity of the indolylpropyl homologue 2 for all subtypes decreased. Compounds 2, 3, 10, 11, 17, and 18 are derivatives of novel heterocyclic ring systems.

Dopamine/Serotonin Receptor Ligands. 10: SAR Studies on Azecine-type Dopamine Receptor Ligands by Functional Screening at Human Cloned D1, D2L, and D5 Receptors with a Microplate Reader Based Calcium Assay Lead to a Novel Potent D1/D5 Selective Antagonist

On the basis of the benz[d]indolo[2,3-g]azecine derivative 1 (LE300), structure-activity relations were investigated in order to identify the pharmacophore in this new class of ligands. Various structural modifications were performed and the inhibitory activities at human cloned D(1), D(2L), and D(5) receptors were measured by using a simple fluorescence microplate reader based calcium assay. Subsequently, the affinities of active compounds were estimated by radioligand binding experiments. Deleting one of the aromatic rings as well as replacing it by a phenyl moiety abolishes the inhibitory activities almost completely. Contraction of the 10-membered central ring decreases them significantly. The replacement of indole by thiophene or N-methylpyrrole reduces the inhibitory activity, whereas replacing the indole by benzene increases it. Finally, the hydroxylated dibenz[d,g]azecine derivative 11d (LE404) was found to be more active than the lead 1 in the functional calcium assay as well as in radioligand displacement experiments.

Dopamine D1/D5 receptor antagonists with improved pharmacokinetics: design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of phenol bioisosteric analogues of benzazepine D1/D5 antagonists

Benzazepines 1 and 2 (SCH 23390 and SCH 39166, respectively) are two classical benzazepine D1/D5 antagonists, with Ki values 1.4 and 1.2 nM, respectively. Compound 2 has been in human clinical trials for a variety of diseases, including schizophrenia, cocaine addition, and obesity. Both 1 and 2 displayed low plasma levels and poor oral bioavailability, due to rapid first-pass metabolism of the phenol moieties. Several heterocyclic systems containing an N-H hydrogen bond donor were synthesized and evaluated as phenol isosteres. The preference orientation of the hydrogen bond was established by comparison of analogues containing different NH vectors. Replacement of the phenol group of 2 with an indole ring generated the first potent D1/D5 antagonist 11b. Further optimization led to the synthesis of very potent benzimidazolones 19, 20 and benzothiazolone analogues 28, 29. These compounds have excellent selectivity over D2-D4 receptors, alpha2a receptor, and the 5-HT transporter. Compared to 2, these heterocyclic phenol isosteres showed much better pharmacokinetic profiles as demonstrated by rat plasma levels. In sharp contrast, similar phenolic replacements in 1 decreased the binding affinity dramatically, presumably due to a conformational change of the pendant phenyl group. However, one indazole compound 33 was identified as a potent D1/D5 ligand in this series.

Dopamine/serotonin receptor ligands. Part VIII: the dopamine receptor antagonist LE300 - modelled and X-ray structure plus further pharmacological characterization, including serotonin receptor binding, biogenic amine transporter testing and in vivo testings

-LE300, a benz[d]indolo[2,3-g]azecine with nanomolar affinities to the hD(1) receptor family, has been further pharmacologically characterized and its modelled structure was compared to its X-ray structure in order to explain NMR data, that was not in accordance to the X-ray structure. Moderate affinity at the hD(3) receptor was determined, nanomolar affinities were found at the 5-HT(2A) and 5-HT(2C) receptors, micromolar affinity at the 5-HT(1A) receptor using binding assays. Functional studies indicate moderate antagonist activity at the 5-HT(2A) site. No activity was found at dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine transporters. These results suggested the use of LE300 for cocaine addiction treatment. High activities were found using in vivo testing: LE300 suppressed spontaneous locomotor activity with an ID(50) of 1.24 mg/kg and attenuated locomotor activity induced by 20 mg/kg cocaine with an AD(50) of 1.50 mg/kg. It failed to substitute for the discriminative stimulus effects produced by cocaine.

Dopamine/serotonin receptor ligands. 9. Oxygen-containing midsized heterocyclic ring systems and nonrigidized analogues. A step toward dopamine D5 receptor selectivity

Eleven-membered heterocycles (dibenz[g,j]-1-oxa-4-azacycloundecenes) and open-chain analogues were synthesized and investigated for affinities to human dopamine receptor subtypes. The moderately rigidized rings displayed nanomolar and subnanomolar Ki values at D1-like receptors with a significant D1 to D2 and a slight D5 to D1 selectivity. The open-chain analogues showed lower affinities but significant D1 to D2 selectivities. Compound 3 (Ki(D5) = 0.57 nmol) showed antagonistic or inverse agonistic binding characteristics in a functional Ca assay.

Quantitative comparison of functional screening by measuring intracellular Ca2+ with radioligand binding at recombinant human dopamine receptors

The purpose of this study was to test whether screening at dopamine receptors performed with a recently described functional assay for G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) provides data that correlate significantly with radioligand binding data in the literature, thus possibly allowing researchers to replace radioligand binding with nonradioactive functional screening. Human dopamine receptors hD1 and hD2L (representing Gs [hD1] or Gi [hD2L] coupled GPCRs) were recombinantly expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. Cells were loaded with Oregon Green 488 BAPTA-1/AM and evenly distributed in 384 well plates. Seventeen test compounds were screened for agonistic activity by injection into the cell suspension and monitoringH of intracellular Ca2+ with a fluorescence microplate reader. Then, standard agonists (100nM SKF38393 for hD1, 30nM quinpirole for hD2L) were injected into wells preincubated with test compounds (screening for antagonism). Injection of various agonists resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in fluorescence. Further, preincubation of antagonists with dopamine receptor expressing cells inhibits concentration-dependent the agonist-induced increase in fluorescence. Calculated apparent functional Ki values correlate with radioligand binding data in the literature (r2 = 0.7796 for D1, r2 = 0.7743 for D2). The correlation between apparent functional Ki values and radioligand binding data for the 17 tested compounds suggests that screening of test compounds at dopamine receptors with the functional Ca2+ assay can replace radioligand binding studies. Furthermore, besides apparent Ki values, information about agonistic or antagonistic properties of a test compound can be obtained with the functional Ca2+ assay.

Antipsychotic profile of 5-[2-[4-(6-fluoro-1H-indole-3-yl)piperidin-1-yl]ethyl]-4-(4-fluorophenyl)thiazole-2-carboxylic acid amide (NRA0562) in rats

The antipsychotic profile of 5-[2-[4-(6-fluoro-1H-indole-3-yl)piperidin-1-yl]ethyl]-4-(4-fluorophenyl)thiazole-2-carboxylic acid amide (NRA0562) was investigated using the conditioned avoidance test in rats. NRA0562 is a putative "atypical" antipsychotic agent with moderate to high affinities for dopamine D(1), D(2), D(4), 5-hydroxytryptamine(2A) receptors and alpha(1) adrenoceptor. NRA0562 (1 and 3 mg/kg, p.o.) dose-dependently and significantly impaired the conditioned avoidance response. Likewise other atypical antipsychotics such as risperidone (1 and 3 mg/kg, p.o.) and clozapine (100 mg/kg, p.o.) dose-dependently and significantly impaired the conditioned avoidance response in rats. In addition, typical antipsychotics, haloperidol (1 and 3 mg/kg, p.o.) potently impaired the conditioned avoidance response.These results suggest that antipsychotic profile of NRA0562 is consistent with profiles of clozapine or risperidone and may be considered an atypical antipsychotic agent.

Functional screening of G protein-coupled receptors by measuring intracellular calcium with a fluorescence microplate reader

Ligand binding studies reveal information about affinity to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) rather than functional properties. Increase in intracellular Ca(2+) appears to represent a universal second messenger signal for a majority of recombinant GPCRs. Here, we exploit Ca(2+) signaling as a fast and sensitive functional screening method for a number of GPCRs coupled to different G proteins. Ca(2+) fluorescence measurements are performed using Oregon Green 488 BAPTA-1/AM and a microplate reader equipped with an injector. Buffer alone or test compounds dissolved in buffer are injected into a cell suspension, and fluorescence intensity is recorded for 30 s. Each of the GPCRs tested--G(q)-coupled P2Y(2), G(s)-coupled dopamine D1 and D5, G(i)-coupled dopamine D2L, and G(q/11)-coupled muscarinic acetylcholine M1--yielded a significant rise in intracellular free [Ca(2+)] on agonist stimulation. Agonist stimulation was dose dependent, as shown for ATP or UTP stimulation of P2Y(2) receptors (EC(50) = 1 microM), SKF38393 stimulation of hD1 and hD5 (EC(50) = 18.1 nM and 2.7 nM), and quinpirole at hD2L (EC(50) = 6.5 nM). SCH23390 (at hD1 and hD5) and spiperone, haloperidol, and clozapine (at hD2L) competitively antagonized the Ca(2+) response. Furthermore, the Ca(2+) assay served to screen suramin analogs for antagonistic activity at P2Y(2) receptors. Screening at dopamine receptors revealed LE300, a new lead for a dopamine receptor antagonist. Advantages of the assay include fast and simple 96- or 384-well plate format (high-throughput screening), use of a visible light-excitable fluorescent dye, applicability to a majority of GPCRs, and simultaneous analysis of distinct Ca(2+) fluxes.

Synthesis and 5-HT2A antagonist activity of derivatives of the novel heterocycles indolo[3,2-d]pyrrolo[3,2-g]azecine and benzo[d]pyrrolo[3,2-g]azecine compared to the benz[d]indolo[2,3-g]azecine derivative LE 300

An indolo[3,2-d]pyrrolo[3,2-g]azecine and a benzo[d]pyrrolo[3,2-g]azecine analogue of the potent dopamine receptor antagonist LE 300 (7-methyl-6,7,8,9,14,15-hexahydro-5H-benz[d]indolo[2,3-g]azecine) have been prepared in multi-step reactions via C-N bond cleavage of corresponding quaternary N-methylquinolizinium iodides. LE 300, the target compounds and two precursor quinolizines have been tested in vitro for antagonist activity at 5-HT2A receptors (rat tail artery) and H1 receptors (guinea-pig ileum), respectively. LE 300 and compound 19 (3,6-dimethyl-4,5,6,7,8,13-hexahydro-3H-benzo[d]pyrrolo[3,2-g]azecine) competitively inhibited 5-HT-induced contractions with similar nanomolar potency (pA2 = 8.32 and 8.01, respectively) but were less active than the reference antagonist ketanserin (pA2 = 9.55). Compound 19 displayed moderate H1-antihistaminic activity in the guinea-pig ileum assay (pA2 = 7.37).

Monitor: molecules and profiles

Monitor provides an insight into the latest developments in drug discovery through brief synopses of recent presentations and publications together with expert commentaries on the latest technologies. There are two sections: Molecules summarizes the chemistry and the pharmacological significance and biological relevance of new molecules reported in the literature and on the conference scene; Profiles offers commentary on promising lines of research, emerging molecular targets, novel technology, advances in synthetic and separation techniques and legislative issues.