Potent and Selective Tetrahydroisoquinoline Kappa Opioid Receptor Antagonists of Lead Compound (3 R)- N-[1 R)-1-(Cyclohexylmethyl)-2-methylpropyl]-7-hydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxamide (CDTic)

J Med Chem. 2018 Sep 13;61(17):7546-7559. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00674. Epub 2018 Aug 29.

Abstract

Animal pharmacological studies suggest that potent and selective κ opioid receptor antagonists have potential as pharmacotherapies targeting depression, anxiety, and substance abuse (opiates, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine). We recently reported lead compound 1 as a new class of κ opioid receptor antagonists with only one basic amine group. Analogues were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro opioid receptor antagonist properties using a [35S]GTPγS binding assay. All analogues were pure opioid receptor antagonists with no agonist activity. Compounds 1, 8, 9, 13, and 14 ( Ke values 0.058-0.64 nM) are highly potent and highly selective for the κ relative to the μ and δ opioid receptors. Favorable calculated physiochemical properties were confirmed in rat PK studies, demonstrating brain penetration for selected compounds 1, 9, and 13. High κ opioid receptor potency and selectivity and highly favorable calculated physiochemical and PK properties for brain penetration suggest these compounds should be considered for further development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CHO Cells
  • Cricetulus
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate) / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Narcotic Antagonists / chemistry*
  • Narcotic Antagonists / pharmacokinetics
  • Narcotic Antagonists / pharmacology*
  • Radioligand Assay
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Receptors, Opioid, delta / genetics
  • Receptors, Opioid, delta / metabolism
  • Receptors, Opioid, kappa / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptors, Opioid, kappa / genetics
  • Receptors, Opioid, kappa / metabolism
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu / genetics
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu / metabolism
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Tetrahydroisoquinolines / chemistry*

Substances

  • Narcotic Antagonists
  • Receptors, Opioid, delta
  • Receptors, Opioid, kappa
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu
  • Tetrahydroisoquinolines
  • Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate)