Synthesis of 3,6-diazabicyclo[3.1.1]heptanes as novel ligands for the opioid receptors

In an effort to improve diazabicycloalkane-based opioid receptor ligands, N-3(6)-arylpropenyl-N-6(3)-propionyl-3,6-diazabicyclo[3.1.1]heptanes (3A,Ba–i) were synthesized and their affinity and selectivity towards μ-, δ- and κ-receptors were evaluated.The results of the current study revealed a number of compounds (3Bb, 3Bg and 3Bh) having a high affinity for μ (Ki at μ-receptors ranging from 2.7 to 7.9 nM) versus δ (Ki at δ-receptors >2000 nM) and versus κ (Ki at κ-receptors >5000 nM) receptors.Molecular modelling carried out on the pair 3Aa/3Ba and on the 3Bh was consistent with the hypothesis that the two series of compounds 3A and 3B interact with the μ-receptor in very different ways.

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