5-[Aryloxypyridyl (or nitrophenyl)]-4H-1,2,4-triazoles as novel flexible benzodiazepine analogues: Synthesis, receptor binding affinity and lipophilicity-dependent anti-seizure onset of action

Bioorg Chem. 2021 Jan:106:104504. doi: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104504. Epub 2020 Nov 24.

Abstract

A new series of 5-(2-aryloxy-4-nitrophenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazoles and 5-(2-aryloxy-3-pyridyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazoles, possessing C-3 thio or alkylthio substituents, was synthesized and evaluated for their benzodiazepine receptor affinity and anti-seizure activity. These analogues revealed similar to significantly superior affinity to GABAA/benzodiazepine receptor complex (IC50 values of 0.04-4.1 nM), relative to diazepam as the reference drug (IC50 value of 2.4 nM). To determine the onset of anti-seizure activity, the time-dependent effectiveness of i.p. administration of compounds on pentylenetetrazole induced seizure threshold was studied and a very good relationship was observed between the lipophilicity (cLogP) and onset of action of studied analogues (r2 = 0.964). The minimum effective dose of the compounds, determined at the time the analogues showed their highest activity, was demonstrated to be 0.025-0.1 mg/kg, relative to diazepam (0.025 mg/kg).

Keywords: 1,2,4-triazole; Flexible benzodiazepines; GABAA/benzodiazepine receptor complex; Onset of action; PTZ induced seizure threshold.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anticonvulsants / chemical synthesis
  • Anticonvulsants / chemistry
  • Anticonvulsants / pharmacology*
  • Benzodiazepines / chemical synthesis
  • Benzodiazepines / chemistry
  • Benzodiazepines / pharmacology*
  • Binding, Competitive / drug effects
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Male
  • Molecular Structure
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Receptors, GABA-A / chemistry*
  • Seizures / drug therapy*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Triazoles / chemical synthesis
  • Triazoles / chemistry
  • Triazoles / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Receptors, GABA-A
  • Triazoles
  • Benzodiazepines
  • 1,2,4-triazole