Synthesis and evaluation of pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidines as inhibitors of nitric oxide synthases

A series of new 3-aroylpyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidines were synthesized from aryl methyl ketones in a simple two-step procedure and evaluated as nitric oxide synthases (NOS) inhibitors. In order to perform a structure–activity relationship study, different aroyl groups were introduced in 3-position and methyl groups were introduced at different positions of the pyrimidine heterocycle. Compounds with a biphenyloyl, benzyloxybenzoyl or naphthoyl group displayed the highest inhibitory effects which were further increased by introduction of a methyl group in position 8 of the pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidine moiety. Some of the compounds exhibited promising inhibitory effects with selectivity toward the purified inducible NOS (iNOS) and were also active against iNOS expressed in stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.

Graphical abstractA series of pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidines were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of purified nitric oxide synthases in vitro and in whole cells.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide