1,6-Dihydro-2H-indeno[5,4-b]furan derivatives: design, synthesis, and pharmacological characterization of a novel class of highly potent MT₂-selective agonists

J Med Chem. 2011 May 12;54(9):3436-44. doi: 10.1021/jm200221q. Epub 2011 Apr 7.

Abstract

A novel series of 1,6-dihydro-2H-indeno[5,4-b]furan derivatives were designed and synthesized as MT(2)-selective ligands. This scaffold was identified as a potent mimic of the 5-methoxy indole core of melatonin, and introduction of a cyclohexylmethyl group at the 7-position of this scaffold afforded an MT(2)-selective ligand 15 (K(i) = 0.012 nM) with high MT(1)/MT(2) selectivity (799). Compound 15 was identified as a potent full agonist for the MT(2) subtype and exhibited reentrainment effects to a new light/dark cycle in ICR mice at 3-30 mg/kg. This result demonstrated the involvement of the MT(2) receptors in chronobiotic activity.

MeSH terms

  • Acetamides / chemical synthesis*
  • Acetamides / chemistry
  • Acetamides / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Benzofurans / chemical synthesis*
  • Benzofurans / chemistry
  • Benzofurans / pharmacology
  • CHO Cells
  • Circadian Rhythm
  • Cricetinae
  • Cricetulus
  • Cyclic AMP / biosynthesis
  • Darkness
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Light
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Motor Activity / drug effects
  • Radioligand Assay
  • Receptor, Melatonin, MT1 / agonists
  • Receptor, Melatonin, MT2 / agonists*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Acetamides
  • Benzofurans
  • Ligands
  • N-(2-(7-(cyclohexylmethyl)-1,6-dihydro-2H-indeno(5,4-b)furan-8-yl)ethyl)acetamide
  • Receptor, Melatonin, MT1
  • Receptor, Melatonin, MT2
  • Cyclic AMP