Solution-phase parallel synthesis and evaluation of anticonvulsant activity of N-substituted-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline-2(1H)-carboxamides

In our previous studies we identified several isoquinoline derivatives displaying potent anticonvulsant effects in different animal models of epilepsy. With the aim to exploit the main structure–activity relationships (SAR) for this class of compounds we planned a solution-phase parallel synthesis (SPPS) of new N-substituted-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline-2(1H)-carboxamides exploring the effect of introduction of different (cyclo)alkyl groups at carboxamide moiety linked to N-2 atom of isoquinoline scaffold. The pharmacological effects were evaluated against audiogenic seizures in DBA/2 mice and, even if some new derivatives were more active than valproate, the designed modifications did not improve the anticonvulsant efficacy with respect to their precursors.

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