N-Methyl-5-tert-butyltryptamine: A novel, highly potent 5-HT1D receptor agonist

J Med Chem. 1999 Feb 11;42(3):526-31. doi: 10.1021/jm9805945.

Abstract

It has been observed that reported 5-HT1D receptor agonists have at least one heteroatom (N, O, or S) on the 5-substituent of the indole. This has led to the hypothesis that a 5-substituent capable of participating in hydrogen bonding is critical for conveying high affinity. This article describes the synthesis and biological evaluation of a new series of 5-alkyltryptamine analogues, which does not have a heteroatom in the 5-substituent group. In contrast to the hypothesis, 5-alkyltryptamines all exhibit high binding affinities for the human 5-HT1D receptor. The size of the lipophilic alkyl group at the 5-position of the indole has significant impact on the 5-HT1D binding affinity. Compounds with a tert-butyl group at the 5-position such as 9d, 10, and 11 were identified. These analogues display high binding affinity (Ki < 1 nM) and moderate receptor selectivity in comparison with known antimigraine agents such as sumatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, and VML-251.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Radioligand Assay
  • Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1D
  • Receptors, Serotonin / drug effects*
  • Serotonin Receptor Agonists / chemical synthesis
  • Serotonin Receptor Agonists / chemistry
  • Serotonin Receptor Agonists / pharmacology*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Tryptamines / chemical synthesis
  • Tryptamines / chemistry
  • Tryptamines / pharmacology*

Substances

  • N-methyl-5-tert-butyltryptamine
  • Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1D
  • Receptors, Serotonin
  • Serotonin Receptor Agonists
  • Tryptamines