Optimization of (arylpiperazinylbutyl)oxindoles exhibiting selective 5-HT₇ receptor antagonist activity

J Med Chem. 2011 Oct 13;54(19):6657-69. doi: 10.1021/jm200547z. Epub 2011 Sep 16.

Abstract

A series of (arylpiperazinylbutyl)oxindoles as highly potent 5-HT(7) receptor antagonists has been studied for their selectivity toward the 5-HT(1A) receptor and α(1)-adrenoceptor. Several derivatives exhibited high 5-HT(7)/5-HT(1A) selectivity, and the key structural factors for reducing undesired α(1)-adrenergic receptor binding have also been identified. Rapid metabolism, a common problem within this family of compounds, could be circumvented with appropriate substitution patterns on the oxindole carbocycle. Contrary to expectations, none of the compounds produced an antidepressant-like action in the forced swimming test in mice despite sufficiently high brain concentrations. On the other hand, certain analogues showed significant anxiolytic activity in two different animal models: the Vogel conflict drinking test in rats and the light-dark test in mice.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / chemical synthesis*
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / pharmacology
  • Antidepressive Agents / chemical synthesis*
  • Antidepressive Agents / chemistry
  • Antidepressive Agents / pharmacology
  • Binding Sites
  • Brain / metabolism
  • CHO Cells
  • Cricetinae
  • Cricetulus
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Indoles / chemical synthesis*
  • Indoles / chemistry
  • Indoles / pharmacology
  • Ligands
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Microsomes, Liver / metabolism
  • Piperazines / chemical synthesis*
  • Piperazines / chemistry
  • Piperazines / pharmacology
  • Radioligand Assay
  • Rats
  • Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A / metabolism
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1 / metabolism
  • Receptors, Serotonin / metabolism*
  • Serotonin Antagonists / chemical synthesis*
  • Serotonin Antagonists / chemistry
  • Serotonin Antagonists / pharmacology
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • Anti-Anxiety Agents
  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Indoles
  • Ligands
  • Piperazines
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1
  • Receptors, Serotonin
  • Serotonin Antagonists
  • serotonin 7 receptor
  • Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A